The Basics for Healthcare PDF

The Basics for Healthcare  Agenda Warm-up Nutrition activity Health care notes Activity  Welcome to Healthcare 101 Understand the development of healthcare. Identify the different types of health insurance Identify the different medical care systems Descr...

The Basics for Healthcare  Agenda Warm-up Nutrition activity Health care notes Activity  Welcome to Healthcare 101 Understand the development of healthcare. Identify the different types of health insurance Identify the different medical care systems Describe the roles of healthcare members Understand the impact of the internet in healthcare The History of Healthcare Ancient Times: Hippocrates and Galen laid the foundation for medical ethics and anatomy. Renaissance: Andreas Vesalius improved understanding of human anatomy. 19th Century: Germ theory revolutionized hygiene and medical practices. 20th Century: Vaccination programs and antibiotics like penicillin greatly reduced infectious diseases. Modern Era: Advances in medical imaging and genomics have transformed diagnosis and personalized medicine.  Healthcare Facilities Hospitals: For serious health issues, surgeries, and emergencies. Clinics: For check-ups, minor treatments, and specialist visits. Long-Term Care: For elderly care and recovery after surgery or injury. Outpatient Centers: For treatments or minor surgeries that don’t require an overnight stay. Home Healthcare: Medical care at home. Mental Health Facilities: Help with mental health issues. Hospices: Care for people in the final stages of life. Telemedicine: Seeing a doctor online. These facilities help with different health needs. Pharmacies provide prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and health advice. Pharmacists can help with medication safety, minor health concerns, and services like flu shots.  Health Insurance Basics Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical care. You pay a monthly fee (called a premium), and the insurance helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and other health services. Depending on your plan, you might still have to pay some costs out of pocket, like copays or deductibles. Having health insurance can protect you from high medical bills and ensure you get the care you need.  Welcome to the US Healthcare System The U.S. healthcare system has three main parts: 1. Government: Programs like Medicare and Medicaid help pay for healthcare. The government also sets rules for safety and quality. 2. Private Companies: Insurance companies offer health plans that cover medical costs, while hospitals and doctors provide care. 3. Individuals: Patients seek care and pay for health insurance, often through their jobs. How They Work Together: When you visit the doctor, your insurance helps cover the costs, and the doctor bills the insurance company. This system relies on collaboration among the government, private companies, and individuals to provide healthcare.  Healthcare Team Members Physicians (Doctors): Diagnose and treat illnesses. Nurses: Provide direct care and support to patients. Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Assist doctors in diagnosis and treatment. Pharmacists: Dispense medications and provide drug information. Physical and Occupational Therapists: Help with rehabilitation and daily living skills. Speech-Language Pathologists: Treat communication and swallowing disorders. Social Workers: Support patients with emotional and social issues. Dietitians: Offer dietary advice and nutrition plans. Radiologic Technologists: Perform imaging tests for diagnosis.  Virginia Department of Health Professions The Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP) protects patients by ensuring healthcare professionals are qualified, monitoring compliance, and taking disciplinary actions when necessary. This regulation promotes patient safety, quality care, and public trust in the healthcare system. The Internet's Influence on Healthcare The internet has transformed healthcare by enhancing access to information, enabling remote care, and improving patient engagement and communication.  Healthcare and Technology: A Closer Look Electronic Health Records (EHRs): are digital patient charts that improve care coordination, safety, efficiency, and patient engagement. Physical Exam (PE): Physical exams assess overall health and detect potential issues through medical history, vital sign checks, and physical examinations.  Conclusion: Your Role in the Healthcare System Why should you understand healthcare? Understanding healthcare enables patients to make informed decisions, communicate effectively with providers, advocate for their needs, manage their health, and navigate the system efficiently, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.