Unequal Access and Disparity in Healthcare

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Mark Moran

The goal of the healthcare system is to grant equal access to the finest care for anyone but this is not the case and is a goal that has not been achieved. Poorer demographic areas, minorities, and more rural areas all face less and equal access as richer and more urban areas. Those with a bigger wallet or who live in a more wealthy and urban area have an incredible advantage over others. This calls for a large call for sweeping reforms in healthcare and its delivery to the nation’s more vulnerable. It calls for better laws, better healthcare programs and more healthcare facilities to meet the growing needs of the population. These are many issues that Case Managers have to face with patients.

Not everyone has the same access to good healthcare. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program

The article, “What is health inequity?” by Jayne Leonard looks at the nature of health inequity and how it differs from the term healthcare inequality. The article gives various examples of how these terms relate to the real world and what groups and areas face more challenges. Leonard states,

“Health inequity refers to avoidable differences in health between different groups of people. These widespread differences are the result of unfair systems that negatively affect people’s living conditions, access to healthcare, and overall health status. Health inequity affects people from disadvantaged or historically oppressed groups most severely. However, it has a negative impact on everyone. This article will look at health inequity in more detail, explaining how it differs from health inequality and its impact.”

What is health inequity?. Jayne Leonard. May 16th, 2021. MedicalNewsToday.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Health disparities are a complex issue that has been a long-standing problem in healthcare. They arise from various social, economic, and environmental factors such as poverty, education, race, ethnicity, and geography. These disparities cause differences in access to healthcare, quality of care, and health outcomes. Health disparities have a significant impact on individuals and communities, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. This type of unequal access is an issue for healthcare providers and case managers attempting to ensure their patients receive the best care.

Understanding the Causes of Health Disparities

As in most cases, poverty and poverty stricken areas play the largest role in healthcare inequity and disparity. Please also review AIHCP’s Case Management Program

Health disparities are caused by a combination of factors, including social determinants of health, access to healthcare, and individual behavior. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These determinants include factors such as poverty, lack of education, poor housing conditions, and lack of access to healthy food options. Access to healthcare is another critical factor in health disparities. People who live in low-income areas or rural areas often lack access to quality healthcare services, resulting in poor health outcomes. Lastly, individual behavior such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to health disparities.

The Impact of Health Disparities on Individuals and Society

The impact of health disparities is far-reaching and affects individuals and society as a whole. Individuals who experience health disparities are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. They are also more likely to have shorter lifespans and experience higher mortality rates. Health disparities also have a significant economic impact on society. The cost of treating preventable diseases that arise from health disparities is estimated to be around $93 billion per year in the United States alone.

Examples of Health Disparities

Poverty and race play key roles in healthcare disparity

Health disparities exist across a range of health outcomes, including infant mortality rates, life expectancy, and chronic disease prevalence. For example, African American infants are twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to white infants. Women of color are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer and are more likely to die from the disease than white women. Native Americans have a higher prevalence of diabetes and are more likely to die from the disease than any other racial or ethnic group.

The Cost of Health Disparities

Health disparities not only have a significant impact on individuals and society but also come at a high cost. The cost of treating preventable diseases that arise from health disparities is estimated to be around $93 billion per year in the United States alone. This cost includes direct medical costs, such as hospitalization and medication, as well as indirect costs, such as lost productivity and reduced quality of life.

Addressing Health Disparities through Policy and Advocacy

Addressing health disparities requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy and advocacy. Policy solutions such as expanding access to healthcare, increasing funding for health education programs, and improving economic and social conditions can help reduce health disparities. Advocacy efforts can also play a critical role in addressing health disparities. Community-based organizations can advocate for policies that address the root causes of health disparities and work to educate the public about the importance of health equity.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Reducing Health Disparities

Healthcare providers and case managers can play key roles in helping patients and people find equal access to care

Healthcare providers have a crucial role to play in reducing health disparities. Providers can work to ensure that all patients have access to quality healthcare services regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Providers can also work to address cultural and linguistic barriers that may prevent patients from accessing care. Additionally, providers can work to improve health literacy by providing patient education and resources that help patients better understand their health conditions. Case Managers can also play a role within their healthcare facility in attempting to help individuals receive the care they need.

Community-Based Solutions for Reducing Health Disparities

Community-based solutions are another critical component of addressing health disparities. Community organizations can work to address the root causes of health disparities by providing education, resources, and support to individuals and families. These organizations can also work to improve access to healthcare services by providing transportation, language services, and other resources that help remove barriers to care. Community-based solutions are particularly effective in addressing health disparities in marginalized communities.

The Importance of Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Addressing social determinants of health is critical to reducing health disparities. Social determinants such as poverty, lack of education, and poor housing conditions have a significant impact on health outcomes. By addressing these determinants, we can help reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. Strategies for addressing social determinants of health include increasing access to affordable housing, improving educational opportunities, and increasing economic opportunities.

Conclusion – Moving towards Health Equity

Health disparities are a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. By understanding the causes and impact of health disparities, we can work to develop policies and programs that help reduce these disparities. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers all have a critical role to play in addressing health disparities. By working together, we can move towards health equity and ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services and the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to advocate for health equity and work towards reducing health disparities. Healthcare professionals and healthcare case managers can work with providers and other aspects to help ensure everyone receives the healthcare and treatment they need.

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified healthcare professionals seeking a four year certification as a case manager.

Additional Resources

“Reducing disparities in health care”. AMA. Access here

“Racial Inequities Persist in Health Care Despite Expanded Insurance”. Roni Caryn Rabin. August 17th, 2021. New York Times. Access here

“Health Inequity in the Time of a Pandemic”. Madelyn Valu. October 9th, 2020. HIMSS. Access here

“Health Equity — Are We Finally on the Edge of a New Frontier?”. Michele Evans, MD. September 10th, 2020. The New England Journal of Medicine. Access here

Telehealth and Healthcare Case Management

Posted on March 3, 2022November 3, 2022 by Mark Moran

Telehealth is here to stay. While it was necessary during the pandemic and any future elements of it that may linger, the benefits of telehealth has found a more permanent place in modern medicine. It will continue to play a large role in medical care. It will also play a large role in affecting the Case Management and how patients meet recovery requirements. It may be easier to keep tabs on patients and ensure they are following protocol through telehealth check ups that require less time. A simple appointment of follow up care can be an easier way to manage patient care following procedure.

Telehealth has many benefits. In particular, there are many benefits to better case management since telehealth can promote better follow up care and patient accountability. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program

The article, “8 benefits of Telehealth” by Siemens Healthineers looks at the benefits of telehealth. The article discusses 8 pertinent benefits of telehealth to healthcare. Among the many are better patient outcomes which is essential in case management. The flexibility, adherence of the patient and cost reduction all play key roles into cheaper healthcare in the future as well as better case management. It is believed that telehealth is here to stay after the pandemic and that is a good thing. The article states,

“The benefits of telehealth are striking, offering hospitals the chance to brand themselves as innovative and using cutting-edge technologically. And while the pandemic has pushed telehealth forward, its ability to provide a high level of medical care in numerous situations will make telehealth a permanent fixture in healthcare. Continuous improvements in technology and further simplifications of tedious processes support this evolution.”

“8 benefits of Telehealth”. Siemens Healthineers. February 15th, 2022. Healthcare ITnews.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Telehealth is an important tool for healthcare providers. It allows providers to connect with patients remotely, using technology such as video conferencing and phone calls. This can be beneficial for both parties: providers can save time and money on travel, and patients can avoid having to take time off work or find childcare. In addition, telehealth can be used to provide care to patients in rural areas who might not otherwise have access to healthcare.

There are many advantages of telehealth, which is why this mode of delivery is becoming increasingly popular. First, telehealth can improve access to care by providing services to patients in rural or underserved areas. Second, it can increase convenience and decrease wait times for appointments. Third, it can improve continuity of care by allowing providers to more easily follow up with patients after they leave the office. Fourth, it can reduce costs by reducing the need for travel and office visits.

Case Management and Telehealth

Case management is a process of coordinating care for patients with chronic conditions. Due to this, telehealth can help case managers. This can include real-time interactive services such as live video conferencing, as well as asynchronous services such as store-and-forward imaging. Telehealth is often used to support remote patient monitoring, provide consultative services, or deliver continuing medical education.

There is evidence that suggests that case managers using telehealth can be just as effective as traditional in-person case management, if not more so. A study published in the Journal of Case Management found that patients who received care from a case manager via telehealth had better outcomes than those who received in-person case management. The study found that patients in the telehealth group were more likely to receive preventive care services and to have their chronic diseases managed effectively. Case managers using telehealth can provide their clients with real-time access to medical specialists for consultation, education, and treatment. This delivery model can also be used to facilitate care coordination between providers, which is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Telehealth truly helps case managers with better patient outcomes. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the use of telehealth in a variety of settings and for a variety of purposes. Studies have shown that telehealth can lead to improved patient outcomes, including increased satisfaction with care, improved compliance with treatment plans, and reduced hospital readmission rates. While more research is needed to determine the best ways to leverage telehealth technology to achieve optimal results, the existing evidence suggests that telehealth is a promising tool for improving patient care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, telehealth has the potential to improve case management by providing real-time access to data and patient status, as well as facilitating communication between care team members. With these improvements, telehealth has the potential to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. It is clear that telehealth has many benefits that can lead to better patient outcomes. These benefits include increased access to care, improved communication between patients and providers, and lower costs. Telehealth can also help to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. As more and more people use telehealth services, it is likely that these benefits will continue to increase.

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Case Management. After completing the required courses, qualified professionals can then apply for the four year certification.

With the emergence of telehealth, case management will profoundly change in the 21st Century and many nurses can take advantage of this exciting field by becoming certified through AIHCP.

Additional Resources

“What Is Telehealth?”. NEJM Catalyst. February 21st, 2018. NEJM: Innovations in Care Delivery. Access here

“Using Telehealth to Deliver Nursing Case Management Services to HIV/AIDS Clients”. Jennifer Lillibridge, RN, PhD, etc. al. November 26th, 2008. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Access here

“Exploring the Benefits of Telehealth Case Management”. Renato Parletta. October 14th, 2022. Insight. Access here

“Telehealth and Telemedicine”. CDC. July 8th, 2020. CDC. Access here

“Telehealth: Mapping the Evidence for Patient Outcomes From Systematic Reviews [Internet]”. Annette Totten, etc, al. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2016 Jun. Report No.: 16-EHC034-EF. AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Technical Briefs. Access here

Healthcare Case Management Program Article on Risk Management

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Mark Moran

Reducing risk to the patient and improving care is essential for any healthcare organization. Providing the best care with the best risk management not only helps the patient but also protects the institution from future liabilities and helps the institution provide its mission to provide the best care. It is because of this that risk management is an essential study and need within any organization.

It is important to manage risk in any healthcare setting. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program

The article, “Why Healthcare Risk Management Is Important” by Caitlyn Cooley looks closer at the importance of risk management. She states,

“Medical liability and reducing an organization’s risk against unseen threats has changed exceptionally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen new treatment centers, vaccines, and mass staffing problems across the United States. Risk management strategy “has traditionally focused on the important role of patient safety and the reduction of medical errors that jeopardize an organization’s ability to achieve its mission and protect against financial liability”, according to NEJM Catalyst. Unfortunately, these traditional risk mitigation techniques are not enough to combat cyberattacks on medical infrastructure.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a career in Case Management.

Case Management Program Article on Prolonged Stays in Hospital

Posted on August 10, 2021 by Mark Moran

One of the biggest problems in care is cost. Long visits and efficient care increase any cost. Sometimes hospital visits can become so long that cost is driven up immensely. This may be sometimes necessary but in other cases, better coordination can prevent unneeded lengthy stays that increase cost and insurance issues.

Prolonged stays at hospitals albeit necessary can sometimes become issues cost wise. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program

The article, “How a hospital becomes a costly hotel for patients who can’t leave” from UCDavis Health looks at patients caught in limbo of the healthcare system. The article states,

“Extreme length of hospital stay – defined as 100 days or more – is not unusual at an academic medical center like UC Davis. A premature infant who requires intensive neonatal care to survive and thrive needs a lot of time in the hospital. The burn patient who needs specialized treatments, physical therapy and skin grafts often requires months of care, too. UC Davis Health has unique expertise for these types of lengthy, acute-care cases.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Healthcare Manager Certification Article on Nursing and Adequate Supply

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Mark Moran

Supply is important for any hospital or healthcare department. Supplies are critical for nurses to perform their duties and ensure patient health and safety. With Covid, these supply lines have been challenged. The importance of inventory is key to good Healthcare Management and keeping a department supplied is critical to success.

Keeping a department in healthcare supplied is key to patient health and nursing success. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Certification

The article, “How Hospital Supply Chains Impact Nurses, Patient Safety, and Margins”, from Managed Healthcare Executive Staff looks at some statistics and facts regarding supply needs and how it affects every aspect of care. The article states,

“Nurses face significant supply chain management problems that impact efficiency, patient safety, and hospital margins, according to a recent survey from Syft, a leading national provider of healthcare inventory control and end-to-end supply chain cost management software and services.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals. Also please review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program which is also online and independent study. Both programs lead to four year certifications.

Healthcare Case Management Certification Article

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Mark Moran

Healthcare management is a key element in providing quality healthcare. Unfortunately, the United States and its healthcare system ranks very low in comparison to other industrialized nations. This has led to the necessity of utilizing healthcare managers to help provide better delivery of healthcare systems by a better understanding of healthcare data and its delivery, population health, competencies of professionals, and care coordination.

Better delivery and outcomes for healthcare are the product of good case management. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program

The article, “Managed Care-A Plan to the Future” by Patricia Kirkpatrick looks at the critical importance of Managed Care for the future of Healthcare in the United States. She states,

“Value-based care is here to stay. By developing specific competencies in quality, population health, care coordination, data analytics, governance and care delivery, MCOs can empower their workforces to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by this new model—and ultimately improve health care outcomes for all.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review the American Academy of Case Management’s Healthcare Case Management Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Case Management

Healthcare Case Management Article on Readmissions

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Mark Moran

Readmissions is a big issue in Healthcare management. It is not only important to reduce readmissions for the overall health of the person but also to reduce penalties that limit Medicare funding. Many hospitals suffer from too high readmission rates and it is critical that hospital management encourage safe and efficient practices to reduce readmissions. Case Managers can play a big role in reducing unnecessary readmissions.

Good article on readmissions. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

The article, “Understanding your Readmissions: How to Reduce Penalties” by Marie Stinebuck looks closer at ways to reduce readmissions. She states,

“Hospitals already suffering from the financial hemorrhage of the COVID-19 pandemic will be hit again by the readmission penalty. More than 2,500, or 83 percent of hospitals in the U.S., will receive reduced Medicare funding for the 2021 fiscal year because of their readmissions from 2016 to 2019.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to healthcare professionals seeking a four year certification in Healthcare Case Management

Healthcare Case Management Certification Article on Healthcare Finances

Posted on October 29, 2020October 29, 2020 by Mark Moran

Healthcare can be confusing and costly but there are many things individuals do not understand in regards to finances and healthcare. Healthcare affordability is a big issue with the coming election and prices and payment policies are always at the front of voter’s minds.

Good article on healthcare finances. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification

The article, “Four Myths About Healthcare Affordability” by Bird Blitch looks at payment options and ideas surrounding healthcare. He states,

“Even when we’re not dealing with a global pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, paying healthcare bills is often confusing and overwhelming for patients. To make matters worse, there are many misconceptions patients have about healthcare finances, which adds to the confusion. Now is the time to debunk these common myths, some of which may be preventing patients from scheduling the care they need.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Healthcare can be costly but how we finance it can make it easier. Please also review AIHCP’s multiple programs in healthcare, most notably AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification and see if you qualify.

Healthcare Case Management Certification Article on Care Management Aspects

Posted on June 25, 2020March 30, 2023 by Mark Moran

Care Management has a variety of functions, from disease management to utilization management. These management techniques help increase patient outcome and reduce cost. Case Management is hence a key part of the healthcare system and something many companies and facilities invest thousands of dollars in. This is especially the case in training healthcare professionals in healthcare management

There are many elements to successful healthcare case management. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification

The article, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Care Management” by Leah Marcotte and Joshua Liao looks at healthcare management strategies. They state,

“Emphasis on care management has become ubiquitous in the era of value-based payment. At the vanguard of the movement, policy makers such as Medicare have emphasized care management via a variety of initiatives, ranging from payment models that encourage longitudinal care management¹ to billing codes that reimburse clinicians for coordinating the care of patients who have chronic conditions”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Program. The program is designed to help train professionals in the area of case management. Care and case management are key ingredients to healthcare and AIHCP’s programs continue to be essential in training professionals in Care Management.

Healthcare Case Management Certification Article on Difficult Readmission Patients

Posted on January 17, 2020January 12, 2023 by Mark Moran

Some of the most expensive patients in healthcare are dealing with homelessness and addiction. These factors contribute to the patients not finding immediate resolution of the issue, as well as frequent re-admissions. This results in higher prices and more difficult coordinated healthcare care management. Case Managers find themselves in difficult positions trying to help the patient find a permanent resolution to the medical issues experienced.

Readmissions for the homeless and addicted are among the highest. Please also review our healthcare case management certification

The article, “These Patients Are Hard to Treat” by Reed Abelson looks at these two types of patients and better ways to help them and also reduce cost. She states,

“These individuals, frequently struggling with addiction or homelessness, have extremely complicated medical conditions. By finding them and connecting them to the right doctors and social services, dozens of costly hospital stays could be avoided. The idea has been adopted in numerous communities around the country.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Certification. The program is online and independent study and can help prepare medical professionals for the field of case management. Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.