Development of the U.S. health care system.

Sample Solution

Major Changes in the U.S. Healthcare System:

1. Rise of Public Health Insurance: The creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 marked a significant shift. Medicare provides health insurance for seniors and some disabled individuals, while Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. These programs significantly expanded access to healthcare.

2. Growth of Private Insurance: Employer-sponsored health insurance became increasingly dominant in the 20th century. This tied health insurance to employment, creating challenges for those who lose jobs or work in non-traditional arrangements.

Full Answer Section

1. Advancement of Medical Technology: Medical technology has seen explosive growth. This includes new drugs, diagnostic tools, and surgical procedures. While these advancements improve care, they also contribute to rising healthcare costs.

Education and Responsibility Differences:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Requires a 1-2 year program. LPNs provide basic care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Requires short-term training. CNAs assist patients with daily living activities like bathing and dressing.
• Registered Nurse (RN): Requires a 4-year bachelor's degree. RNs have a broader scope of practice, including administering medications, providing wound care, and educating patients.

PCP vs. Cardiologist:

• Primary Care Physician (PCP): PCPs are general practitioners who manage a wide range of health issues. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat common illnesses, and refer patients to specialists when needed. They typically require a 4-year medical degree followed by residency training.
• Cardiologist: Cardiologists are specialists who diagnose and treat heart conditions. They require additional training after completing medical school and residency in internal medicine.

Public Health Professionals:

Public health professionals work to protect and improve the health of entire communities. They may:

• Investigate disease outbreaks
• Promote healthy behaviors
• Develop and implement public health programs (e.g., vaccinations)
• Educate the public about health issues

U.S. Healthcare System Problems:

1. High Costs: The U.S. spends more per capita on healthcare than any other developed nation, yet many lack coverage.
2. Unequal Access: Access to quality care varies significantly based on income, location, and insurance status.
3. Preventable Disease Burden: Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes are highly prevalent, placing a strain on the system.

Public Health's Role in Addressing Problems:

• Promote preventive care: Public health campaigns can encourage healthy lifestyles and disease screenings to reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
• Address social determinants of health: Public health initiatives can target factors like poverty and lack of healthy food access, which significantly impact health outcomes.
• Improve health equity: Public health programs can focus on underserved communities to ensure everyone has access to preventive and treatment services.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Public Health:

1. Preventive Services: The ACA requires most health plans to cover preventive services without a copay, encouraging preventive care.
2. Public Health Funding: The ACA provides funding for public health initiatives, including disease prevention and health promotion programs.
3. Health Insurance Marketplaces: The ACA created marketplaces where individuals can purchase subsidized health insurance, increasing access to coverage for low- and middle-income populations.