What is a benchmark? How are they used in health care?

Module 3: Homework 1 (6 questions, worth 5 points each)

1. Milestones, Titles 18, 19, and 21

Discuss the origins of government involvement in health care delivery in the United States. What were some of the key milestones and their impacts? What are Titles 18, 19, and 21 and describe their relationships to the milestones?

2. Managed Care

Managed care is a very broad term and means different things in different markets; explain why. Describe your own local market in terms of managed care intensity.

3. Industry Standards

What is a benchmark? How are they used in health care? How may they help us improve the quality of care, access, and allocate funding? Give an example of a:

· Clinical benchmark

· Financial benchmark

· Operational benchmark

4. Providers of Health Care

Who are the providers of health services? Who are considered the mid-level providers? Where do allied health providers fit in the realm of patient care? Provide at least two examples of each level and type of health provider, i.e., physicians, mid-level, and allied health. Describe their roles, credentials, training, authority, and limitations in regard to patient care. HINT: The MD and DO are in the driver’s seat.

5. Ambulatory Care

What trends are we seeing in the most common forms of physician medical practices (clinics) and other ambulatory care at this time? Describe the changing forms of physician practice and ambulatory care in the U.S. as a result of managed care. Support your answer.

6. Hospital Organization

Cite and briefly describe the roles of the three primary sources of power in modern U.S. hospitals. Which do you feel has the greatest amount of power? Support your decision with examples and primary sources.