Mary-Ann Fernandez
HCS/490
August 19, 2014
Ashley Georgian
Changing Landscape of Health Care
The face of health care is ever changing, and constantly improving the way the consumer receives their treatments. New technology has made these changes possible and has provided health care facilities all over the world with equipment that can change the lives of the consumer for the better. The way that health care staff members handle these new changes can be somewhat of a challenge, but through proper training, education, and information, these health care providers can make the transition smoother.
Shifts Taking Place in the Health Care System
The shifts that are taking place in health care today are that from a provider controlled environment to a consumer-controlled environment. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, these changes are the results of the shift. The consumer is now allowed to shop around for health care insurance and find what is best for them and their budget. “Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance exchanges now give patients the option to shop and compare plans in order to determine which has the best value for their individual needs. Being able to compare plan transparency than ever before in healthcare” (Khan, 2014, para. 2). Consumers are more in charge of their health care now than ever. They have access to their medical records, can choose better insurance plans, and can make decisions and discuss their health care options with their physicians to find what is best for them. There is more interaction overall from the patient about their healthcare. Although it is taking some time for everyone to adjust to these new changes, the benefits of this new shift will be for the better-overall health of everyone.
Shift in Health Care Involving New Technologies
New technologies have also made it possible for consumers to be more in control of their health. For example, smartphones have apps
References: Khan, F. MD (2014). The Shift to Consumer Driven Healthcare: The Future of Patient Engagement. Retrieved from http://www.healthcare-executive-insight.advanceweb.com