Since conception, the idea of managed care was to reduce the burden of the costs associated with health care. However, it also had to ensure that the quality did not suffer as a result. It would seem that the system is inherently pro-patient, but some paths offer less freedom for low costs. Considering that managed care is ambiguous towards patients, a question about its impact on healthcare specialists arises.
It could be said that a medical professional’s global mission is not to harm and cure. However, not all diseases are curable, and patients have to pay considerable sums of money to survive (Thorpy & Hiller, 2017). Managed care offers the solution in easing the economic burden, acting as a humane representative of the healthcare system (Thorpy & Hiller, 2017). Meanwhile, medical specialists are also involved in the process by providing assessment, treatment, and prescriptions (Thorpy & Hiller, 2017). Their role does not change much; on the contrary, they might focus on the patient more, especially if one is assigned only to a particular specialist. Initially, managed care’s implementation had a negative reaction from the healthcare community, and such aspects as salary and workload might have been affected, but patients only benefited from it (Thorpy & Hiller, 2017). Thus, it is important to consider both parties, although one was at a disadvantage prior to the initiative.
Healthcare continues to undergo changes, and its universal availability does not seem unachievable. Managed care was a major step in making it more affordable, and patients, especially those with terminal diseases, can feel the positive impact of the change. Healthcare workers can also see the initiative’s instrumentality in assisting people who would have had their life threatened otherwise. Managed care is not without flaws, affecting both parties, but it exists with best intentions and removes several barriers between a medical specialist and a patient, allowing professionals to do their job.
Reference
Thorpy, M. J., & Hiller, J. (2017). The medical and economic burden of narcolepsy: Implications for managed care. American Health & Drug Benefits,10(5), 233-241.