Article Review
The given article review will primarily focus on two main domains, which are access and national quality strategy informed by research. The healthcare system in the United States is among one of the most expensive and unaffordable ones across the globe. In addition, it is evident that the access aspect is comprised of two key factors, such as cost and insurance, which are determinants of availability.
In the case of access, the direct strategy needs to revolve around reducing barrier costs and expanding coverage. The author claims that such reforms will cover up to 32 million uninsured individuals and eliminate co-payments (Fiscella, 2011). It adheres to the biblical worldview of public and community health. The Gospel of John states: “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (as cited in “Health care,” 2020, 3:17). Christianity supports aiding others and providing for others at the cost of one’s own sacrifice.
The article also states the main prescriptions and pitfalls of the given approaches. The major ramifications of the reform are that 23 million people will still remain uninsured and primary care might experience certain challenges without robust measures (Fiscella, 2011). The prescription of the accessibility increase is in line with the biblical perspective, where the researchers suggest to implement universal coverage and expand Medicare. The Book of Deuteronomy states: “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land” (as cited in “Health care,” 2020, 15:11). In other words, the Bible supports the notion of the wealthy helping the ones in need, and healthcare access is the direct example of the case.
Moreover, it is important to improve the overall quality of healthcare through a national quality strategy. The article suggests that improved accountability is the central promise of the reform, whereas the primary pitfall is the negligence of the physician-patient relationship (Fiscella, 2011). In addition, the recommended prescription for the change is to preserve the patients at the center of the issue (Fiscella, 2011). It also goes in accordance with the biblical view of community and public health. The Gospel of James states: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (as cited in “Health care,” 2020, 5:14). The Bible keeps sick or patient at the heart of the problem.
In conclusion, it is evident that the article’s propositions and analysis statements are in tune with biblical interpretations of healthcare. The lack of access and quality assurance are among several major issues of the American healthcare system. The Bible supports the notions of expanding coverage for the uninsured and focusing on the patient only as the center of the care. In addition, accountability and performance can be improved through national reforms.
References
Fiscella, K. (2011). Health care reform and equity: Promise, pitfalls, and prescriptions. The Annals of Family Medicine, 9(1), 78-84. Web.
Health care. (2020). Web.