Select one of the healthcare mandates, the Affordable Care Act or the American Health Care Act and identify what are the specific provisions within the mandate that will directly impact the delivery and type or method of care you give to your patients. Discuss one key challenge that you anticipate facing in advanced practice as a result of one of the provisions of your selected mandate. Please refer to the resources identified below for details regarding both healthcare mandates. Chapter 19- Affordable Care Act
The healthcare industry in the United States has witnessed significant changes and reforms through various legislations, two of which are the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This assignment focuses on analyzing the specific provisions within one of these mandates and its impact on the delivery and type or method of care provided by advanced practice providers. For the purpose of this assignment, I have chosen to discuss the provisions within the Affordable Care Act.
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 with the goal of increasing access to affordable healthcare for all Americans. To achieve this objective, the ACA introduced several provisions that have had a significant impact on the delivery and type of care provided by advanced practice providers.
One specific provision of the Affordable Care Act is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Under the ACA, states were given the option to expand Medicaid eligibility to cover individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This expansion resulted in a significant increase in the number of individuals eligible for Medicaid coverage, which in turn affected the delivery and type of care provided by advanced practice providers.
As a result of the Medicaid expansion, advanced practice providers have experienced an increased demand for their services from newly insured individuals who were previously unable to afford healthcare. This has led to changes in the delivery of care, with advanced practice providers adapting to handle the increased patient load and ensuring timely access to healthcare services. This could include implementing strategies such as extended clinic hours, telemedicine, or collaborative practice models with other healthcare professionals to address the increased demand.
Another provision within the ACA that directly impacts the delivery and type of care provided by advanced practice providers is the emphasis on preventive care and wellness. The ACA mandated that certain preventive services, such as immunizations, screenings, and counseling, be provided to patients without any out-of-pocket costs. This provision has encouraged advanced practice providers to place greater emphasis on preventive care and wellness promotion in their practice.
In response to this provision, advanced practice providers have incorporated preventive care services into their routine practice. This may involve dedicating more time to educating patients about the importance of preventive care, conducting screenings and assessments, and developing individualized wellness plans. Additionally, advanced practice providers have had to stay updated on the latest preventive care guidelines and recommendations to ensure the provision of evidence-based care.
While the Affordable Care Act has brought about many positive changes to the healthcare system, it also presents some challenges for advanced practice providers. One key challenge that advanced practice providers anticipate facing as a result of the ACA provisions is the increased administrative burden.
With the expansion of Medicaid and the emphasis on preventive care, advanced practice providers may find themselves dealing with complex paperwork, billing procedures, and documentation requirements. This administrative burden can divert valuable time and resources away from patient care, potentially impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the care provided.
To overcome this challenge, advanced practice providers may need to invest in additional administrative support staff or adopt electronic health record systems that streamline documentation and billing processes. It is crucial for advanced practice providers to strike a balance between administrative tasks and direct patient care to ensure optimal healthcare outcomes for their patients.
In conclusion, the Affordable Care Act has introduced several provisions that have had a significant impact on the delivery and type of care provided by advanced practice providers. The expansion of Medicaid eligibility and the emphasis on preventive care and wellness are two specific provisions within the ACA that have led to changes in the delivery and type of care. While these provisions have brought about positive outcomes, such as increased access to care and a focus on preventive services, they also present challenges, such as increasing administrative burdens. Advanced practice providers must navigate these provisions to ensure they continue to provide high-quality and patient-centered care in an evolving healthcare landscape.