Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional. Minimum of 100 words per reply.
Response 1
I believe that there is some success in regard to capitalism in healthcare. Some of the areas in which capitalism has led to improvements in healthcare is by providing advancements in medical technology, increased access to healthcare services and the ability to recruit individuals into the medical field. Capitalism also creates innovation and competition among pharmaceutical and medical specialty companies. Private companies such as pharmaceutical and medical device companies are motivated to develop new drugs, treatments and technology to gain an advantage and increase their profits. Another way that capitalism can enhance healthcare is by providing healthcare services in an efficient and flexible manner. Telemedicine has been a benefit to healthcare by providing access to healthcare for patients from their home, ultimately reducing the need for in person visits to primary care providers. This has been particularly beneficial to those living in remote or rural areas. There is also a down side to capitalism within healthcare. It has been discussed that capitalism has led to healthcare inequalities for individuals with preexisting conditions and those patients that are low income.
Films Media Group. (2010).The future of health care: Meeting of the minds. Films On
Demand. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=18566&xtid=47312.
Rambur, B. (2021). Health care finance, economics, and policy for nurses, second edition: A foundational guide (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Response 2
Capitalism in healthcare works for some but fails many in the United States. Many people go without healthcare due to not having insurance either due to not being able to afford it, not qualifying for benefits, or not understanding what help and benefits they are able to receive. Social determinants of health have the greatest predictor of health outcomes and are directly related to lifestyle and a person’s environment (Rambur, 2021). Even those with insurance may not seek the care needed due to high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. In the US 56% of private expenses are paid out of pocket while the average in industrialized countries is 25 percent (World Health Organization [WHO], 2000). Education level directly correlates with the health status of a person due to increased knowledge, increased earnings, and opportunities to promote health (Rambur, 2021). More resources could be put forth to enhance a person’s education and promote healthy lifestyle changes rather than treating a person after a disease is present. Per Rambur (2021), a large cost goes into healthcare with a small contribution to the overall health of society. The United States is ranked 37th among 191 countries in the world for its performance in healthcare (WHO, 2000). The poor and underprivileged often suffer greater health problems and preventable deaths. Reform is needed for the greater good of all people.
References
Rambur, B. (2021). Health care finance, economics, and policy for nurses, second edition: A foundational guide (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
World Health Organization. (2000, February 7). World health organization assesses the world’s health systems. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from who.int
Requirements: 100 per reply