Question A:
It is important for hospital administrators to regard outpatient care as a key component of their overall business strategy. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Question B:
What is the difference between a general hospital and a specialty hospital? Discuss if general hospitals provide services that are of an inferior quality to those provided in specialty hospitals.
REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE.
CLASSMATE’S POST
A
It is important for hospital administrators to regard outpatient care as a key component of their overall business strategy. Technological advances, to include minimally invasive surgical procedures and new techniques involving anesthesia and telehealth opportunities allow for patients to return home for recovery sooner. In fact, aggregate hospital revenue from outpatient services increased from 30% in 1995 to 47% in 2016, driven by these technological advances. Other important factors include patient preference, health plan and government payout policies in respect to providing lower-cost care, and these healthcare systems partnering with physician offices to provide these outpatient services. (Ken Abrams, 2018)
B
The key difference between a general hospital and a specialty hospital is that patients with a range of different illnesses may be treated are treated at a general hospital where as a specialty hospital treats patients with specific illnesses or needs. (General Vs Specialized Hospital: What are the benefits of each option?, 2016) For example, a general hospital would perform an appendectomy, as well as an emergency room visit for a broken bone, whereas an orthopedic institute would treat only patients with needs for an orthopedic issue / surgical needs. Another prime example of specialty hospitals would be pediatric hospital services where staff are trained to provide the necessary care to pediatric patients.
The location of specialty hospitals is significant, as the majority are located in states that allow hospitals to add beds or build new facilities without obtaining state approval for capacity increases; Arizona, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. Other factors also come into play here, like population density and growth outcomes. (Reports, 2003)
References
General Vs Specialized Hospital: What are the benefits of each option? (2016, September 14). Retrieved from Appolo Spectra Hospitals: https://www.apollospectra.com/blog/general-health/general-vs-specialized-hospital-what-are-the-benefits-of-each-option
Ken Abrams, M. M.-C. (2018, August 15). Growth in Outpatient Care. Retrieved from Deloitte: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/health-care/outpatient-hospital-services-medicare-incentives-value-quality.html
Reports, G. (2003, October). Specialty Hospitals; Geographic Location, Services Provided, and Financial Performance . Retrieved from EBSCO Host: https://web.s.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=10&sid=a7ccd472-f9fa-4c9d-83a4-97debcf9966e%40redis
