Patient_Safety_&_Healthcare_Utilization

An Empirical Model to Estimate the Potential Impact of Medication Safety Alerts on Patient Safety, Health Care Utilization, and Cost in Ambulatory Care Article Analysis For partial completion of the requirements for PADM 6515 Health Organizations & Delivery Systems Fall 2009 This article evaluates an investigative study on prescriptions written by ambulatory care clinicians over the course of a six month period beginning in January 2006. The methodology used in this study allowed the researchers to monitor medication alerts via an electronic prescribing system to estimate the impact on patient safety, health care utilization and cost savings. As the integrated system of healthcare continues to expand, there is a great need for administrative accountability, cost containment and increased efficiency. Advancements in information and medical technology have improved the quality of life for many patients, especially the elderly population where hybrid plans like Pocket Script, notify pharmacists, physicians and patients of potentially fatal drug interactions and medical alerts. The article explains how this application allows practitioners to electronically submit prescriptions to a pharmacy from a computer or PDA where the data is compared to a profile of patient’s current medications and previously written prescriptions. The preferred method of prescription drug monitoring in my department is www.prescriptionmonitoring.state.tn.us; a website that lists most medications that have been prescribed by physicians in a three year period, eliminating the need for paper and implementing a system of electronic health records that is readily accessible to multiple providers. In our office we use cutting edge technology with advanced 3-D sensors to work with physicians and other medical practitioners for treatment planning precision and enhanced diagnosis of maxillofacial reconstruction, implantology and several other complex treatment challenges. This point of care module makes it possible for our dental surgeons to gather evidence to provide ultra precise measurements in determining ultimate treatment outcomes. Our outpatient facility is beneficial to hospital, physicians and healthcare specialists in providing basic health care needs for urgent, emergent, preventative, reconstructive, routine, and chronic oral healthcare. Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald Tennessee is one of several ambulatory networks that are developing exponentially throughout the state. This organization is committed to cultivating relationships with the local communities to grant access to health care and wellness services in areas where access to care is not directly accessible. Springhill Specialty Clinic, MedPlex and Middle Tennessee Ambulatory Care Clinic are all examples of ambulatory surgery centers that offer rehabilitation programs, diagnostic testing and imaging services that are used to develop, operate, and expand educational resources in order to promote an understanding and awareness in these diverse populations. The textbook gives us an example of how freestanding ambulatory surgery centers have increased over 138% in the past ten years and how much of their successes have been attributed to technological advancements and a rising consumer demand for same day surgeries. Chapter ten credits increased Medicare reimbursement, escalation of the elderly population and accessibility as major factors for the growing trend of ambulatory care centers in the United States. The future of ambulatory care centers is yet uncertain. The United States federal government is closely involved in the delivery of healthcare to their citizens. Health care reform laws like the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to reduce inflation through a productivity adjustment that could significantly reduce service payments among ambulatory care centers. A recent report published by McDermott, Will & Emery affirms that under this current law hospitals will begin transitioning into a pay for performance programs that is dependent on their performance and quality measurement in comparison to its administrative associates. http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/169/16/1465'maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=an+empirical+model+to+estimate&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT