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  • Essay / Characteristics of the health care delivery system in the United States

    Features of the health care system in the United StatesThe health care system in the United States is one of the most expensive systems in the world, but it is known to be unorganized and chaotic compared to other countries (Barton, 2010). This factor is attributed to many of the characteristics that define the composition of the American system. Two of the main indications are imperfect market conditions and the demand for new technologies (Barton, 2010). The healthcare system has been described as a free market, retrospectively to its governing authority (Shi and Singh, 2012). However, private and public agencies are the dominant element in business today. Free markets allow patients to choose providers without prior approval from insurance companies. The current system offers a limited physician plan proposal in exchange for payment for services. Because the potential has been given to payers, they regulate the cost of services rendered through contractual reimbursement determinations. As a result, camaraderie among doctors has evolved into a more aggressive approach aimed at hindering competition (Shi and Singh, 2012). Little information is shared with patients regarding procedures or disease control. Subjects are forced to rely on the Internet to obtain information about the extent of their illness (Shi and Singh, 2012). Additionally, the U.S. healthcare system fails to provide adequate knowledge about billing strategies for surgeries and other medical practices. The cost in a free system is based on supply and demand and is known before hospital admission (Shi and Singh, 2012). The need for new technologies is another interesting feature when considering the healthcare system. Technology is often middle of paper...... implications that enable opportunities for change. One of the hypotheses concerns training and personnel (Shi and Singh, 2012). With the use of healthcare enhancements, staff will need additional instruction on equipment performance and how to effectively achieve desired results. Managers or supervisors recognize the need for additional staff and training to optimize patient satisfaction and quality of care. The health care administrator should also focus on changes in insurance policies and rules governing the provision of medical assistance (Shi & Singh, 2012). Works Cited Barton, PL (2010). Understanding the American healthcare system. (4th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. Shi, L. and Singh, D. (2012). Providing Health Care in America: A Systems Approach. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.