Health care reform and LTC: Part III
While health care reform has long been a topic of discussion in Washington, D.C., it has become a leading policy issue for the Obama Administration and Congress. Health care reform is no longer perceived as peripheral to our larger economic condition. Instead, it is viewed as an integral element to our long term economic stability as a nation.
As lawmakers debate health care reform proposals, it is critical that reform measures promote seamless integration within systems as well as between health care providers and insurers. Specific actions might include:
- Promoting widespread adoption of interoperable health information technology systems to reduce errors and maximize provider collaboration
- Developing policies to encourage a "medical home" or physician office responsible for coordinating the overall care for patients and to encourage patient care management
- Accelerating applied clinical research and demonstration programs which give patients access to advances in science and innovative treatments
- Supporting medical education, residency programs and other training efforts that prepare an adequate number of physicians, nurses and other health care workers for growing patient needs
Often "universal health care" is misconstrued as government-run health care, leading to passionate debate on all sides. In reality, universal health care means ensuring every American is covered by affordable and effective health insurance. This is a goal embraced by Spectrum Health and one our nation must aspire to for meaningful health care reform.