Shifts in the U.S. Health Care System: A Reflection on Telehealth Expansion
Within the dynamic and ever-changing realm of the United States health care system, a notable transformation that has garnered considerable attention over the past 3-5 years is the notable proliferation of telehealth services. Telehealth, a paradigm encompassing the remote dispensation of healthcare services through digital communication technologies, has expeditiously revolutionized how individuals access and receive medical care. The rapidity of this transition has been notably expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the indispensability of remote healthcare alternatives.
The profound implications of telehealth expansion on the healthcare system and consumers have been noted. The advent of virtual consultations has engendered favorable transformations, particularly for individuals residing in rural or underserved regions, where the availability of conventional face-to-face healthcare services may be constrained (Mayo Clinic, 2022; Mechanic & Kimball, 2019; Watson, 2020). In light of recent advancements, individuals now possess the capacity to establish a virtual connection with esteemed healthcare professionals, all from the solace of their abodes. This innovative approach curtails the necessity for physical transportation and mitigates the risk of contracting and spreading infectious ailments.
The paradigm shift in healthcare has undeniably brought about a profound transformation for individuals such as myself who actively consume healthcare services. Historically, trivial medical ailments necessitated the arduous task of prearranging appointments well in advance, enduring protracted periods of waiting, and expending a substantial amount of time in transit. Nevertheless, the advent of telehealth has undeniably engendered a heightened efficiency level within the aforementioned process. In the contemporary era, the expeditious resolution of commonplace maladies can be achieved using a rudimentary telecommunication medium, namely video conferencing, wherein a learned medical practitioner is engaged. This approach not only conserves temporal resources but also has the potential to avert the progression of trivial afflictions into more grave pathologies, as substantiated by reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic (2022), Mechanic and Kimball (2019), and Watson (2020). Moreover, the capacity to engage familial individuals in virtual consultations has cultivated a sentiment of inclusivity and comprehension, thereby conferring notable advantages upon patients grappling with enduring ailments or intricate healthcare requirements.
From my standpoint, I hold a predominantly favorable perspective regarding this transition. The proliferation of telehealth signifies a progressive stride towards establishing a healthcare system centered around patients’ needs and preferences while enhancing accessibility. Although in-person visits remain pertinent for specific diagnoses and treatments, telehealth presents an opportunity for expeditious interventions and augments the seamless progression of healthcare services (Mayo Clinic, 2022; Mechanic & Kimball, 2019; Watson, 2020). The incorporation of technological advancements within the realm of healthcare has facilitated a transition from a responsive methodology to a more anticipatory one, wherein individuals possess the capacity to promptly pursue medical counsel and interventions upon the emergence of symptoms.
Nevertheless, it is imperative to recognize the conceivable limitations and obstacles duly. Disparities in access to high-speed internet and requisite technological devices significantly impede effective telehealth interactions among individuals. The presence of a digital divide can intensify disparities in health care, thereby restricting the range of options available to marginalized communities (Watson, 2020). Moreover, it is imperative to acknowledge that specific circumstances necessitate undertaking physical examinations or diagnostic assessments that are not amenable to remote execution. This underscores the significance of adopting a judicious approach integrating face-to-face and virtual healthcare modalities.
Ultimately, the progressive transformation of the United States healthcare system, exemplified by the proliferation of telehealth services, signifies a momentous transition towards heightened inclusivity and expedience. The discernible effect on healthcare consumers is evident, as virtual consultations offer a more streamlined and patient-centric methodology for addressing health-related issues. As a discerning healthcare consumer, I perceive this paradigm shift as a commendable stride toward enhancing the existing system. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to acknowledge and tackle the obstacles to the equitable acquisition of services and the inherent constraints associated with virtual healthcare. By embracing this shift while upholding the principles of inclusivity, the healthcare system can persistently undergo metamorphosis to cater to the multifaceted requirements of the populace more effectively.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Telehealth: Technology meets health care. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
Mechanic, O. J., & Kimball, A. B. (2019, April 5). Telehealth systems. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459384/
Watson, S. (2020, October 12). Telehealth: The advantages and disadvantages. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/telehealth-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
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Homework
Wk 1 Reflection: Shifts in the U.S. Health Care System
Homework Content
Scenario
Our healthcare system changes frequently. In this assignment, you will review our current healthcare system and how it has evolved in the past 3–5 years. This will give you the necessary background knowledge to complete this and other assignments in this course.
The Reputation Service and Customer Expectations
Preparation
Research events or shifts in our health care system within the past 3–5 years.
Select 1 current event or shift in the healthcare system from your research.
Assignment Deliverable
Write a 350- to 525-word reflection that details the changing landscape of our healthcare system based on your research and selected current events or shifts. In your reflection:
Explain your selected current event or shift.
Describe the impact of the current event or shift on the healthcare system or on healthcare consumers. Consider these tips:
You, your friends, and your family are healthcare consumers. Think about how this change/shift impacted you or your friends and family.
Explain your perception of the current event or shift you selected. Remember, it is not appropriate to share personal medical information.
Cite 1 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar reference.
Format your references according to APA guidelines.
Submit your assignment.
Review APA guideline information in the Announcement section for more details for all assignments.
P.S. If the event is outside of 5 years, you need to choose a specific event or shift that fits within the scope of 5 years. For example, technology is not current but there are specific things that have been done in technology within the 5-year scope.