rise in mortality and mobility due to chronic illness
Similar to any part of the world, the healthcare system in the United States is made of a complex array of interrelationships between the providers, receivers as well as those responsible for financing it (Moses et al., 1947). Healthcare is one of the sectors that affect every individual in the society, including those who are chronically ill, those with occasional illness, and those who are healthy. The life span since 1900 has lengthened by sixty-two percent. The longevity continued to increase between 1950 and 1980 (Moses et al., 1947). the major factors that contributed to the increase include the use of sophisticated scientific medical care, improved health education measures, and an effective public healthcare system (Moses et al., 1947). However, the 21st century has witnessed a rise in mortality and mobility, mainly due to chronic illness.
The healthcare system has also played a significant role in improving the economy of the United States. According to 2011 statistics, the sector accounted for approximately fifteen percent of the United States workforce. The sector also contributed to eighteen percent of the gross domestic product. Medical costs in the US are mainly influenced by chronic illnesses irrespective of one’s age. The cost of chronic diseases for those below sixty-five years accounts for sixty-seven percent of the cost. These conditions include heart diseases and cancer, among others (Moses et al., 1951).
Several factors have contributed to the change in healthcare. These factors include; industrialization and consolidation. The US has seen rapid consolidation between pharmacies, physicians, and insurers (Moses et al., 1955). The second factor is the use of information technology. The sector has invested heavily in IT to improve the effectiveness of the systems. This has also helped to improve the quality of care (Moses et al., 1957). Patients as consumers have also contributed to the change.
Information Technology plays a significant role in the management of healthcare. For one, it enhances communication between physicians and their patients. The sharing of information enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions. Secondly, the use of IT helps to save time required storing and retrieving patient’s information. This enables healthcare providers to provide improved care.
The economic anatomy section is what stood out for me from the article, especially on the creation of job employment. It was interesting to realize that the healthcare sector is among the leading sector in the creation of new jobs. According to the article, over two million people were employed in the health care sector in 2011, which accounted for 15.7% of the total workforce in the United States. For this reason, the government ought to provide more support to the sector to ensure that these people do not lose their jobs and instead create more opportunities.