HIMA 240 Health & Medical Health Insurance Coverage Discussion

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Introduction:
In this response, we will provide answers to two different questions related to medical education. The first question pertains to the current trends in consumer health insurance plans while the second question seeks to examine the reasons behind the progressive improvement in quality of patient care documentation.

Answer 1:
According to an article from Health Affairs, one of the most influential trends in voluntary healthcare insurance plans today is the use of telemedicine. It is now possible to use telemedicine to remotely access healthcare services and consult with a doctor at any time without being physically present in the hospital or clinic. Another trend is the rise of consumer-driven healthcare plans involving high deductible health plans (HDHPs) which are increasing in popularity. A third trend is the emergence of wellness programs that incentivize employees to invest in their own health. Fourthly, due to the sheer volume of patient data that is being generated from wearable devices and sensors, it has become imperative to incorporate wearable technology into patient care plans. Finally, increased transparency surrounding the costs associated with healthcare services has led to the rise of reference-based pricing models for healthcare services.

These trends are significant in that they prioritize patient care and satisfaction while also ensuring that healthcare is more accessible and affordable. By incorporating telemedicine and wearable technology, patients can conveniently seek medical attention and track their health through reliable monitoring devices. High deductible health plans shift a larger degree of responsibility to the consumer, thereby enabling more engaged and informed decisions about medical care. By using wellness programs and reference-based pricing models, patients can take greater control of their healthcare choices.

Answer 2:
Several factors have contributed to the progressive improvement in quality of patient care documentation. Firstly, the introduction of technology has helped streamline patient documentation workflows and enabled easy access to patient data. Electronic health records have made it easier to create, maintain and share records as needed in real-time. Secondly, the shift towards greater patient-centered care has made it necessary for medical professionals to be more attentive to their patients’ health concerns. This has meant that patients’ medical histories and treatment plans are more accurately recorded as medical professionals’ place more emphasis on providing comprehensive, individualized care. Lastly, the increasing emphasis on value-based care has incentivized professionals to deliver better outcomes, putting a greater degree of focus on the accuracy of their documentation.

The progressive improvement of patient care documentation benefits patients in several ways. It makes it easier to manage their healthcare needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of positive health outcomes. Through better documentation, healthcare professionals can work to minimize the likelihood of medical errors that would otherwise affect patients negatively. Improved patient care documentation also benefits the healthcare provider since it can help reduce the risk of malpractice lawsuits and facilitate better communication between different healthcare providers.