Primary Care

Primary Care

The article on Consumers Learning to Recognize High-Value Health Care Providers by Dr. Clanchy indicates the link between cost and quality of primary care in relation to consumer preference. On the other hand, the article on New Primary Care Focus Helps Patients Take Better Care of Themselves focuses on the importance of the navigation of medical homes and self-management programs in helping patients take care of themselves.

Consumers Learning to Recognize High-Value Health Care Providers

The article emphasizes that the availability of information can help one make decision on the quality and cost of health care (Clanchy, 2012). However, accessing that information is a challenge as indicated in research by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that consumers make assumptions that those who offer expensive health care provide better health care in comparison with the low cost providers (Clanchy, 2012). Though the services offered justify the expensive nature of the expensive service providers, the care they provide could be inefficient (Clanchy, 2012). According to the study, when information about care offered by health care providers is made available, the consumers are less likely to choose expensive service providers (Clanchy, 2012). However, they are likely to consider high-value providers who offer quality primary care at lower costs (Clanchy, 2012).

The quality of healthcare is determined by the hospitals, doctors, and nursing homes. Information about health care providers within a community by the Federal government can help the consumers compare and learn more about the health care providers hence make wise decisions on care. For example, Hospital Compare offers online information on hospital providers under Medicare program including heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia (Clanchy, 2012). Also, the information offered on handling of patients can help consumers learn how hospitals handle patients and prevent complications. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also offers continuous report on cost and quality for consumers and providers with emphasis on physicians and hospital at local levels (Clanchy, 2012). Additionally, organizations like Leapfrog Group offers annual report on research of over 1,000 hospitals in investigating quality and safety standards (Clanchy, 2012).

New Primary Care Focus Helps Patients Take Better Care of Themselves

The article focuses on the importance of the navigation of medical homes and self-management programs in helping patients take care of themselves. According to Clanchy (2013), many people do not understand instructions leading to negative impact on their health condition. Thus self-management programs are important in helping patients learn necessary skills regarding living healthy.

The self-management support programs provided by health care organizations help in connecting the entire care team in planning about patient’s health, implementation and doing follow up (Clanchy, 2013). They also plan the patient’s visits, and empower them with skills and information necessary for staying healthy and preventing problems (Clanchy, 2013). Consequently, they make referrals and connect with patient so as to help the patient in staying healthy and achieving set goals.

The self-care support programs are popular as they represent the goals of the patient-centered medical homes. According to Clanchy (2013), medical home is “a national movement to redefine and improve how primary care services are delivered. Members… include doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and physical therapists.” The members work together in coordinating the patient’s care in hospitals, health clinics, and medical offices. The medical homes can address and manage some health issues thus creating more accessibility to primary care. They can also coordinate other services like making patient’s visiting arrangements. Affordable Care Act has influenced the acceptance of medical homes in improving and coordinating primary care. Additionally, private insurers and other insurers accept medical home model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the availability of information will help consumers differentiate between high quality and high cost regarding primary care. Thus the consumers are less likely to choose expensive service providers but consider high-value providers who offer quality primary care at lower costs. Also, the medical homes and self-management programs will help patients take care of themselves.

Reference

Clancy, M. C. (2013). New Primary Care Focus Helps Patients Take Better Care of Themselves. Navigating the Health Care System. Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/news/columns/navigating-the-health- care-system/030513.html on October 6, 2013.

Clancy, M. C. (2012). Consumers Learning to Recognize High-Value Health Care Providers. Navigating the Health Care System. Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/news/columns/navigating-the-health-care-system/040312.html on October 6, 2013.