Review current types of health care delivery systems in the United States and contrast the current status with the reform models or revisions proposed in the readings for this topic. Select one area in health care delivery where change or reform to the current system could improve the delivery of allied health care and present your findings. – Use at least 2 APA refernces – Answer questions straight to the point Purchase the answer to view it

There are several types of health care delivery systems in the United States, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The current status of health care delivery in the US is primarily characterized by a dominant private market where individuals can obtain health insurance coverage through their employers or by purchasing it directly from insurance companies. This system is referred to as the employer-sponsored system and accounts for a large portion of the population’s access to healthcare services (Blumenthal, 2020).

However, there are also other types of health care delivery systems in the US that cater to specific populations. For example, the Medicare system provides health insurance coverage for individuals who are 65 years and older or have certain disabilities. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a joint federal and state program that offers health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Another type of health care delivery system is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which provides care for eligible military veterans (Kaplan, Abrams, Guerra, & David, 2018).

Despite the existing health care delivery systems, there have been ongoing discussions and proposals for reforming the current system. These reform models aim to improve the accessibility, affordability, and quality of health care services in the US. One prominent reform model is the implementation of a single-payer system, often referred to as “Medicare for All.” This model would expand the Medicare program to cover all Americans, regardless of age or income, and eliminate the need for private health insurance (Blumenthal, 2020).

Another proposed reform model is the establishment of a public option, which would create a government-run health insurance plan that coexists with private plans. The public option would provide individuals with an alternative choice for health insurance coverage and potentially increase competition in the private insurance market (Blumenthal, 2020).

One area in health care delivery where change or reform could improve the delivery of allied health care is in the integration of primary care and mental health services. Currently, there is a significant disconnect between primary care and mental health care, resulting in fragmented and inadequate care for individuals with comorbid physical and mental health conditions (Institute of Medicine, 2018).

Several reforms could address this issue and improve the delivery of integrated care. First, increasing the availability of mental health professionals within primary care settings would facilitate the identification and treatment of mental health conditions alongside physical health conditions. This could be achieved by funding incentives and expanding training programs for allied health professionals, such as psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, to work in primary care settings (Institute of Medicine, 2018).

Additionally, implementing collaborative care models, where primary care providers work closely with mental health specialists to provide evidence-based care, has shown promising results in improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs (Dixon, Goldberg, Iachan, & Baldor, 2018). This model enhances communication and coordination between primary care and mental health teams, leading to more comprehensive and coordinated care for patients with complex needs.

Furthermore, integrating electronic health records (EHRs) across primary care and mental health settings would improve information sharing and facilitate continuity of care. This would allow providers from different disciplines to have access to a patient’s complete medical history, facilitating more informed decision-making and preventing duplication of services (Institute of Medicine, 2018).

In conclusion, the current health care delivery system in the United States is primarily characterized by a dominant private market, but there are also other types of systems that cater to specific populations. Various reform models have been proposed to improve the current system, including the implementation of a single-payer system and the establishment of a public option. One area in health care delivery that could benefit from reform is the integration of primary care and mental health services. This could be achieved by increasing the availability of mental health professionals in primary care settings, implementing collaborative care models, and integrating electronic health records. These changes would improve the delivery of allied health care and provide more comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.