Americans have debated the benefits and issues of our existing health care delivery system for decades. This debate has only intensified with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. As discussed, the ACA represents the most significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. health care system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.
As we proceed in this course, please use this site as a useful link for the most updated information related to ambulatory care and its delivery across the country: CDC’s Ambulatory Health Care Data webpage https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/ahcd/index.htm
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s “About the Affordable Care Act”, (https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html) the ACA was enacted with the following goals:
Increasing the quality and affordability of health insurance
Lowering the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage
Reducing the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government
The prospect and implementation of significant health care reform, as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has spurred a new conversation within health care organizations that has led to a national shift in care delivery from inpatient to ambulatory care settings.
In a 10-page, APA-formatted-paper, answer the following question:
What is ambulatory care and why is its existence relevant?
Referencing course concepts, relevant current events, and industry issues, your paper must address and discuss the following concepts in your response:
Is there a national shift in care delivery from inpatient to outpatient settings? Why?
Who is projected to deliver care to the ever-growing patient population? Discuss if and how this varies in rural vs. urban environments.
Are there any disparities in the delivery of ambulatory care? Defend either position.
What are some of the projected financial implications—positive and negative—for organizations that shift and for those that are resistant to change?
There are many supporting and opposing arguments for ambulatory care delivery: both positions and their significance. As a future executive, what is your position/stance?
Guidelines and Rubric
Your paper should be 10 pages in length and follow APA 7th edition format.