Answer for NUR 550 Select an effective current health policy that focuses on or affects population health Re: Topic 7 DQ 2

Answer for NUR 550 Select an effective current health policy that focuses on or affects population health

Re: Topic 7 DQ 2

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 is a current health policy that focuses on population health by improving the quality of care and health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. This policy achieves its objective by moving away from fee-for-service payment models to value-based care, which incentivizes healthcare providers to prioritize preventive care, care coordination, and patient engagement (Cragle, 2022). Moreover, MACRA provides financial incentives to providers who participate in alternative payment models (APMs) or meet specific quality standards through the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The policy also aims to reduce administrative burden and enhance the interoperability of health information technology, which can help providers deliver more efficient and coordinated care. MACRA was influenced by several factors, including the unsustainable growth of healthcare costs, the need to improve the quality of care, and the shift towards value-based care. Besides, the policy builds on previous efforts to reform the Medicare payment system, such as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, which was replaced by MACRA. MACRA was also influenced by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which introduced several provisions to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. In addition, it has had a significant impact on healthcare delivery and population health. The policy has encouraged providers to focus on preventive care and care coordination, which can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Lastly, MACRA has also facilitated the transition towards value-based care, which aligns incentives intending to improve health outcomes rather than just providing more services.

Reference:

Cragle, S. P. (2022). New Payment Models: The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, Merit-based Incentive Payment System, Advanced Alternative Payment Models, Bundling, Value-Based Care, Quadruple Aim, and Big Data: What Do They Mean for Otolaryngology? Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 55(1), 115–124.