Palliative care is a vital service that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses, with the goal of improving the quality of life for patients and their families. However, as the demand for palliative care services continues to grow, healthcare providers are facing increasing challenges in terms of patient load, utilization, and reimbursement. Addressing the increasing patient load and improving utilization and reimbursement for palliative care is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the high-quality care they need, and for a better overall healthcare system.
I would approach the topic and the challenges it poses for healthcare delivery in the US, specifically by focusing on how to handle the increasing patient load and improve utilization and reimbursement for palliative care. The aging population is a growing concern in the US, as the number of older adults is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double to 95 million by 2060, representing nearly one-quarter of the total US population (Maddox 45). As the number of older adults’ increases, there will likely be greater demand for healthcare services, particularly for chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. This demographic shift is expected to place significant strain on the healthcare system, particularly in terms of managing chronic conditions and end-of-life care.
I will be focusing on the current state of long-term care services in the US and the barriers to access and utilization. This includes examining the current reimbursement models for long-term care services and how they may be inadequate in addressing the needs of older adults. This involves assessing the limitations of fee-for-service reimbursement, as well as exploring alternative reimbursement models such as bundled payments, value-based payments, and accountable care organizations. Furthermore, I will be looking at the impact of reimbursement challenges on the delivery of palliative care, including the effect on patient outcomes, and provider participation. I will also be exploring the potential solutions to improve access and reimbursement for long-term care services such as expanding Medicaid coverage, implementing pay-for-performance models, and incorporating long-term care into accountable care organizations.
The impact on health or healthcare delivery in the United States will be a central focus of my research. By understanding the barriers to access and utilization of long-term care services and exploring potential solutions, we can improve the quality of care for older adults. Furthermore, we can ensure that the healthcare system is better prepared to meet the needs of the aging population.
In conclusion, the increasing patient load in palliative care presents a significant challenge for healthcare providers and systems. However, by taking steps to improve utilization and reimbursement for palliative care services, we can ensure that more patients receive the care they need during serious illness. This may include increasing awareness and education about palliative care, implementing effective communication strategies between healthcare providers, and developing reimbursement models that better support palliative care services.
Work Cited
Maddox, Samuel. “Cartographies of Care: Urban Development in Mexico in Response to a Graying America.” Care and the City. Routledge, 2021. 43-53.