The Influence of Health Policies and the Future of Health in the U.S.

The Influence of Health Policies and the Future of Health in the U.S.

Connie Hazley

Dr. Crystal Russell

Health Services Organization HAS – 500

June 5, 2015

The Influence of Health Policies and the Future of Health in the U.S.

                The focus on care compared to today has being geared toward finance opposed to the care of the patient. It seems as if some doctors are not concerned with the care of the patient and they are not really addressing the real issues and finding a solution. It appears that patients are being charge for a service, but not getting the needed care.

        Our health care system is complex in the way it is setup and the way it operates. There are many key issues that face the health care system in the United States today. Three of the most challenging issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. Although we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States will continue to decline. Even though this may be true, macro trends such as illnesses, diseases, injuries, and population groups are of concern. “Differential morbidity and mortality between men and women, among difference ethnic groups, in different age groups within the population, by geographic region, and in other important population comparisons raise red flags about out limited successes for certain populations, and the challenges that we face” (Torrens & Williams, 2009). Health concerns such as hypertension, obesity, injuries and chronic diseases surround individuals in the United States today, regardless of their race, gender, income status or geographical location.

        Although a steady income, health insurance and access to care may exist for some individuals across the United States, health disparities are still clearly seem. “Many factors contribute to racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities, including inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, community features (such as poverty and violence) and personal behaviors” (NCSL, 2012). Due to the United States having a health disparity, it has contributed to an additional $229.4 billion in medical expenses between 2003 and 2006. “A more equitable, integrated, and comprehensive health care system can benefit everyone” (Austin, 2012).

        The health care system has experienced a vast amount of innovations that have enhanced life expectancy, as well as offered diagnostic and treatment options in a cost effective manner to enhance quality of life. It has been technology that has driven our health care system. Through development, testing, and distribution of technological advances, it improves the nation’s health.

“It is critical to the nation’s future health that innovative practices and biomedical and clinical research be promoted and incentivized” (Torrens & Williams, 2009). It is the medical research team that has to develop the drug, device or technology and make it accepted and available for patients and clinicians to use. This phrase involves private companies and private capital almost entirely and calls for a mixture of scientific promotion to the technical expert community and broader general marketing to the health care system that must ultimately approve it for purchase and clinical use” (Torrens & Williams, 2009).