Health Care Technology and Finance

Despite the fact many health benefits are associated with medical technological advance, these changes have contributed to some issues related to how Americans spend on health care services and the related costs. Although it is true that introduction of a new medical care technology may either decrease or increase the overall expenditure on health care, empirical evidence show that when integrated, medical technology advances impacts on the health care costs through different actions including; the fact that the current gradual enhancement in the present capabilities likely to improve quality of health care delivery; and the systematic growth or development of indications for therapy lead to increase in the number of patients on which the treatment may be used among other improvements. 

It matters less to whether a certain new technology has the capacity to reduce or increase the overall health expenditures because there are many determining factors involved. First, one needs to look at the impact of the expenses used to deal with each patient (Sorenson & Drummond, 2014). It is important to know if the new technology can be used to supplement the current treatment approaches or whether it is just a partial or full substitute for existing treatment methods. These are just but some of key questions one may ask. Analysis of the medical care effect on cost per individual patient, what should be considered is if the new technology’s direct costs impacts on the cost or use of other medical care services including physician office visits or hospital days. 

Secondly, one must look at the level of use achieved by using the new technology. It is possible that utilization can be reduced by new technologies (Sorenson & Drummond, 2014). For instance, a new diagnosis or screening capacity that enables more targeted treatment. Certain innovations including new vaccines have high immediate costs but lead to more saving in long-term if the medicine contributes to fewer patients looking for more expensive treatment.  

Consequently, it is somehow complex and challenging to measure the effect of new medical care innovations. While a case study based on one disease or technology may indicate costs savings in terms of benefits and costs of the new invention if substitutes a comparatively more expensive technology as well as offers health improvements, on the other hand, an evaluation of a wide-range of costs related to health care system may indicate increases in cost if the new knowledge leads into greater utilization compared to the old technology (Sorenson & Drummond, 2014).  In conclusion, it is apparent that the factors mentioned above account to a small percentage of the total expansion in actual health care spending and the majority of the unsolved residual increase can be associated with technological change, also known the improved capabilities of medicine. 

The cause of any disease is a specific explanation in each cultural systems of medical beliefs. In the industrialized Western culture such as in the United States, illness are associated with natural scientific phenomena (Shi & Singh, 2014). They believe in the use of medical treatment to deal with microorganisms. They also advocate for the use of sophisticated expertise to treat and diagnose disease. In other societies, there is a system belief that disease is caused by supernatural phenomena (Villatoro, Morales & Mays, 2014). They advocate for the use of spiritual interventions such as prayer to combat the supposed disfavor of influential forces. Patient compliance is thus, heavily influenced by cultural issues. 

It is therefore, evident that a patient’s attitudes towards health care and individual ability to cope, manage, and understand the course of illness, the impact of medical treatment, and the meaning of a diagnosis relies of existing cultural differences. The family and patients bring certain cultural values and ideas to illness and health concepts, beliefs related to treatments and medication, health care delivery expectations, and reporting symptoms. 

Response to Thread One 

The article provides informative information on the negative effects of medical technology. The author avers that it leads to increased health care costs, which is true. However, it does not offer reasons why this is the case. It would have been appropriate to give a detailed response or explanation for every challenge or problem highlighted in order to enhance understanding. For instance, according to Sorenson, Drummond and Khan (2013), medical technology has led to heightened spending in healthcare. For instance, the numbers rose from to 8.8 percent in 2008 to as high as 9.5 percent of GDP in 2009. Moreover, the spending with regard to average per capital heightened by 3.8 and 3.5 percent in 2008 and 2009 respectively. On the same note, related public spending grew at a rate of 4.8 percent. This shows that medical technologies have had a major impact on health costs. Therefore, it would have been appropriate if the article provided related figures or an explanation on why this is the case. 

Despite that flaw, the article has clearly explained how the medical technology increases patient’s expectations. It argues that patients now want accessibility and convenience. This is definitely true since with the latest technology, there are various ways in which the health providers can communicate with them, including sending emails, texts, or calling them. Therefore, patients expect to talk with their health providers remotely and to always be available when needed, which might not always be the case. This is because communication might be impossible or slow in case the phone is set on voicemail. 

The article also answers the second question on ways in which the American cultural beliefs and values influence the use of medical technology in a clear and easy to understand language. He asserts that Americans expect to have the latest tests, drugs, equipment, and procedures; hence, are willing to pay more in order to get the best technology. This is factual since scholars such as Sanders (2003) are in support of this assertion, arguing that American’s values as well as beliefs have a major impact on medical technology since they have high expectations of finding cure to diverse ailments through the use of Science and Technology. In that case, they end up demanding that the most proficient and advanced technology be assessable, irrespective of the costs that come with it. 

Response to Thread Two 

The article begins well in identifying the benefits then challenges of medical technology. The experienced annual increase in the cost of health care in America is indeed caused by many factors including poor lifestyle, rewarding medical practitioners for more work instead of doing their job more efficiently, and the new procedures, technologies, and medicines are expensive. Although people’s life and health is extended with medical advances, the new approach can as well lead to more health care costs. Doctors and patients often demand for more expensive newest treatments with having any evidence that these new innovations are better. 

The present advancements in technology is identified one of the causes of unethical health care practices. The bible says that human life primarily relate to the present which represent God’s eternal present (Pontifical Biblical Commission, 2008). It surely measures and possesses reality. It must be appreciated in moments of human endeavor and responsibility which happen. Similarly, there are many limits which characterize new technology including ephemeral condition, imperfection and insecurity. The use of new medical care technology to end life of older people with dignity is one form of advancement which does not conform to biblical principle of a right to life. The bible says it is only God who gives life and takes it. 

Health insurance cover should be designed around ethical beliefs as opposed to religious beliefs (Kagin, 2013). Formulating a set of ethical condition for all members subscribing to Insurance program would lead to expansion of Americans who can access low-cost choice such as Liberty HealthShare to the common conventional health insurance. Under this program, payment of health bills is handled directly. Patients and their family can directly get funding from ministries to directly pay medical bills. Garlow (2016) suggests, the new approach built on a Christian foundation will increase health access in the United Sates and also offer alternative for self-pay patients to minimize the currently misused method of Insurance coverage. 

Though the article clearly addresses all the other parts of the question/instructions presented, it fails to integrate at least 1 biblical principle. There is a need and risk for prudence and humility in new medical treatments such as genetic developments (Fletcher, 1983). People’s knowledge about human nature does not only take into account God-given possibilities and abilities but also recognizes their failings and limits. People are finite and their understanding of the world is conditioned, imperfect, and partial in relations to social and cognitive structures they use to construct scientific knowledge. Because of such limitations, it can be argued that new technological developments in health care cannot foresee the pitfalls that may certainly occur. Indeed, new technology should be analyzed and embraced based on the foreseeable associated risks and either act or not act depending on the measured impact. These uncertainties of new technology call for taking into account a Christian knowledge of human nature, considering both human finitude as well as human fallenness. 

According to Porter (1999), in ancient times, Roman and Ancient Greek medicine advanced solid fundamentals for centuries, producing, an ideal unification of philosophy, science as well as medicine by care givers. Catholic social teaching on health care provision advocates for concern for the patient or the sick. Jesus Christ Himself focused more care for the outcast and sick such as lepers. His Apostles and he spent more time healing the sick as well as anointing of the sick at no cost. 

Annotated References 

Fletcher, J. C. (1983). Moral problems and ethical issues in prospective human gene therapy.  Virginia Law Review , 515-546. 

Fletcher’s review of ethical and moral issues identified or observed in the contemporary delivery of human health care as depicted by his publication, “Moral problems and ethical issues in prospective human gene therapy,” the writer attempts to explore how patients and their family or care givers are concerned about the unique effects caused by medical care technology employed in service provision which leads to birth defects and genetic disease. The publication exposes ethical and moral issues to educators, pastoral care workers, and pastors to the current unique health care dimension and also help them acquire more knowledge in the field. 

Garlow, J. L. (2016).  Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today's Tough Issues . Regnery Publishing. 

Garlow, in the article, “ Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today's Tough Issues,” provides Christians seeking resources, reassurance, and answers on the modern issues, a well-versed, ultimate guidance based on the scripture. He narrows the debate on matters such as entertainment, Islam, way, the role of government, bioethics, abortion, taxes, debt, sexual identity, social justice, Israel. 

Hope, B. (1998). The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity from Antiquity to the Present.  BMJ: British Medical Journal ,  316 (7132), 713. 

Hope, in the medical journal, “The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity from Antiquity to the Present,” reflects on the ambiguity and misleading information touching on the benefits of new alternative health care technology in the modern society. It tries to explain the history and relevance of present medical therapy makes use of alternative medicines. 

Kagin, J. D. (2013).  Norms, values and the effect of churches on an excluded community: The case of the Roma in Eastern Europe . University of California, Davis. 

The book, “ Norms, values and the effect of churches on an excluded community: The case of the Roma in Eastern Europe, Kagin examines how issues of inequalities for people living in marginalized communities, particularly the Roman families begin at early stages and is striking today in Eastern European countries. The writer reflects the role of the church in dealing with exclusion, issues related to social values and norms in a community. The author tries to advocate for equal opportunity to disadvantaged populations as a fair and smart economic alternative. The author focuses on supporting healthy living for the most disadvantaged people. 

Pontifical Biblical Commission. (2008). The Bible and Morality: Biblical Roots of Christian Conduct. 

The publication, “The Bible and Morality: Biblical Roots of Christian Conduct” is written by the Pontifical Biblical Commission and tries to preserve over 100 years’ perspective on the interpretation and authority of the Holy Bible. The author convenes to research, discussion, and analysis of the contemporary interpretation of Scripture today. It evaluates hypothetically provocative pronouncement or interpretation on Scripture. The writer points at the Christian view on moral norms entrenched in people’s culture since the ancient times to the modern world. It sets out an analysis approach of Morality and the Bible in evaluating standards of morality, both in medical care provision and other social life perspectives. 

Porter, R. (1999).  The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity (The Norton History of Science) . WW Norton & Company. 

Roy Porter, in his document, “ The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity,” explains the need for offering free health care or medical care information. The primary emphasis being on the health of children to realize effective and affordable non-commercial healthcare solutions. The author strives to create sustainable healthcare improvement by assisting individuals help themselves. 

Sanders, R. (2003). Medical technology: a critical perspective. The Internet Journal of Medical Technology, 2 (1), 1-7. 

The journal, “Medical technology: a critical perspective” by Sanders reflects the study findings from an in-depth research exercise seeking to establish the documented research regarding young children in crisis and emergency. The range of the works takes into account features interventions in ECCD across emergency situations, of the need for ECCD in conditions of emergencies, as well as the need for training, resources, curricula, and broadcasting of facts for ECCD in crises. 

Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2014).  Delivering health care in America . Jones & Bartlett Learning. 

The article, “Delivering health care in America” is a publication by Shi & Singh which tries to discuss a wide diversity of healthcare environments, ranging from clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals. It gives examples aimed to capture the reader’s view about striking health care management problems like strategic marketing and planning, cost management, ethics, human resources, and information technology. It is very useful to people interested in pursuing studies in medical care fields. 

Sorenson, C., & Drummond, M. (2014). Improving medical device regulation: the United States and Europe in perspective.  The Milbank Quarterly ,  92 (1), 114-150. 

Sorenson & Drummond, in their article, “Improving medical device regulation: the United States and Europe in perspective,” presents information in clinical research which attempts to evaluate how the safety and effectiveness in a premarketing situation are carried out under cost and time constraints. They try to show how no earlier studies have attempted to relate the safety and the effectiveness between post- and premarketing settings. The paper focused to explore the significance of post marketing data examination with clinical information. 

Sorenson, C., Drummond, M., & Khan, B. (2013). Medical technology as a key driver of rising health expenditure: disentangling the relationship. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, 5 : 223-234. 

The publication by Sorenson & Drummond, “Medical technology as a key driver of rising health expenditure: disentangling the relationship,” shows how decision-makers internationally are with time, becoming more concerned about the issues of observed steady increase in health care spending globally. The document analytically evaluates this conjecture, taking into account evaluation of the current literature, purposely trying to provide a more considered and detailed view of such a relationship. It comprises both cost-effective and multivariate analyses of various methodical methods, different viewpoints, and problems about the connection between medical costs and health care technology. 

Villatoro, A. P., Morales, E. S., & Mays, V. M. (2014). Family culture in mental health help-seeking and utilization in a nationally representative sample of Latinos in the United States: The NLAAS.  American Journal of Orthopsychiatry ,  84 (4), 353. 

In the journal, “Family culture in mental health help-seeking and utilization in a nationally representative sample of Latinos in the United States: The NLAAS,” written by Villatoro, Morales & Mays explores the positioning of American religious institutions in dealing with critical issues above the religion due to their cultural, social, and moral reputation in community life. They attempts to examine the how the increasing role of the leadership in religious organizations address the health issues like decreasing misinformation and HIV/AIDS stigma. The paper tries to highlight the significance of looking past leadership attributes and religion type to structures of social network among members to explain receptiveness of organizations to HIV/AIDS participation. 

References 

Fletcher, J. C. (1983). Moral problems and ethical issues in prospective human gene therapy.  Virginia Law Review , 515-546. 

Garlow, J. L. (2016).  Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today's Tough Issues . Regnery Publishing. 

Hope, B. (1998). The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity from Antiquity to the Present.  BMJ: British Medical Journal ,  316 (7132), 713. 

Kagin, J. D. (2013).  Norms, values and the effect of churches on an excluded community: The case of the Roma in Eastern Europe . University of California, Davis. 

Pontifical Biblical Commission. (2008). The Bible and Morality: Biblical Roots of Christian Conduct. 

Porter, R. (1999).  The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity (The Norton History of Science) . WW Norton & Company. 

Sanders, R. (2003). Medical technology: a critical perspective. The Internet Journal of Medical Technology, 2 (1), 1-7. 

Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2014).  Delivering health care in America . Jones & Bartlett Learning. 

Sorenson, C., & Drummond, M. (2014). Improving medical device regulation: the United States and Europe in perspective.  The Milbank Quarterly ,  92 (1), 114-150. 

Sorenson, C., Drummond, M., & Khan, B. (2013). Medical technology as a key driver of rising health expenditure: disentangling the relationship. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, 5 : 223-234. 

Villatoro, A. P., Morales, E. S., & Mays, V. M. (2014). Family culture in mental health help-seeking and utilization in a nationally representative sample of Latinos in the United States: The NLAAS.  American Journal of Orthopsychiatry ,  84 (4), 353.