Hcs 449 - Health Care Industry

Health Care Industry

HCS/ 449

December 13, 2012

Robin A. Steele, MPH

Health Care Industry

In today's society everyone expects the most from the industry of health care. This industry provides care for individuals that are in need of medical care, as well as providing rehabilitation, diagnostic, and preventive services. The health care industry can take many forms which may include but not be limited to medical devices, pharmaceutical companies, over the counter drugs, and home health aides. This paper will discuss how health care has changed in the last 10 years and the biggest changes for the future. Also, one will discuss the role I plan to have in this industry, how one will adapt to the skills needed in this industry, and explaining the perception of how health care has changed over the course of my program. Finally, one will discuss the role of technology within health care organizations in the coming decades and the financial and economic issues that will affect this industry within the next 10 years.

The health care delivery system has changed tremendously over the last decade. There has been merging of new technologies such as new drugs, new medical devices, surgical procedures, test, and imaging machinery. The changes over the past decade has made both public and private organizations stride in identifying the cause of diseases and disabilities, discovering treatments and cures, and working with practitioners to help educate the public.

Today individuals are able to live an average of 10 years longer. With the new medical advances there have been improvements and breakthroughs with patient care. The most significant change with health care is the expansion in technology. This new technology allows health care professionals to give the best care to his or her patients. With every medical treatment being computerized is allowing more efficient results and eliminating any human error.

As the health care industry changes over the next 10 years hospital administrators will have to prepare for major changes. These changes for improvement will be advancements with pharmaceutical products and technology. New medication is constantly being developed to help treat, manage, and prevent various conditions for the aging Baby Boomers population.

There are new medical treatments being developed daily that are based on genetic and molecule testing. With these advances taking place within the health care industry; technology will help provide test that will reveal how individuals respond to specific drug treatments. Telemedicine will allow physicians to interact with his or her patients online, as well as assisting with cutting back on expenses, such as doctor's visits and copays. As long as technology continues to be a growing trend telemedicine will be a part of the future.

The position in which one tends to hold in this industry is Health Administration Management. Since I have had hands on experience with patients for approximately nine years, one would love to get some experience behind the scenes with maximum results. As an administrator one will be caring and hopefully well trained. One will also be honest and willing to help other individuals. One will hopefully stay knowledgeable of any new technology, shifting trends, and advanced techniques in this field. I would love to be able to use my skills and knowledge learned to deliver the most positive experience for my consumers and for my staff. Adapting to the skills as an administrator will be challenging but doable. By