Capella University
BHA-FPX4112: Economics of Health Care
Dr.
October 28, 2023
Health Production Function
Part I: Current State of Organization and Potential Changes to Align with Trends
Optum is a healthcare organization located in California. The hospital continues to play significant roles in optimizing patient satisfaction through innovative services. The mission is to make healthcare simpler and help patients feel their best. In this case, Optum strives to advance medical excellence in communities by recruiting and retaining a broad network of nurses, specialists, and physicians. The present state of the facility demonstrates efforts to maintain the highest patient satisfaction scores through advanced equipment, infrastructure, and medical procedures (Optum, 2022). The management understands calls for patient-centered care characterized by the shortest wait times, effective communication among physician and non-physician staff and flexible processing of payment and reimbursements.
New trends in the industry reinforce the need for transformations that enhance patient satisfaction across the continuum. One improvement area is the need to respond to increased demand for telehealth services. The massive acceleration in using the technology makes it a key component of Optum’s clinical setting (Busso et al., 2022). The organization needs to adopt digital health solutions that support remote patient monitoring and help expand healthcare access. Expanding Optum’s readiness means collaborating with telecommunication firms reputable for developing healthcare systems that enhance community partnerships. Increasing demand for digital health value requires Optum to demonstrate capabilities based on accessibility of services, integrated functions, and data-driven decisions. Accessibility requires investment in mobile patient portals, video interactions, and alternative visit options provided by telehealth. Data-driven processes are also vital to make Optum responsive to patient behavior and clinical conditions.
Part II: Analysis of Current Programs
One current program at Optum is the case management initiative adopted to help patients get the care they need from their convenient location. The organization’s health care professionals engage patients at home, in the hospital, nursing homes, and other setting. The output include optimal health, proper use of medications, and reduced risk of hospitalization and readmission among patients with complex care needs (Optum, 2022). Another program is Optum Care Finder, which allows patients to find the care closest to them using their smartphones and other digital devices. The goal is to facilitate instant access to providers in the Optum care network.
The input include a functional digital platform for patients to search urgent care, 24-hour pharmacies, and laboratory services (Optum, 2022). The outcomes include timely access to preferred care centers, real-time appointment, and support necessary to improve emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. The rising demand for patient-centered and timely access and delivery of services call for increased funding of the programs. Optum provides urgent and primary care that require digital advances for making healthcare simper and enabling more people to feel their best. Further, additional funds will enable the organization to advance medical excellence across communities.
Part III: Resource Allocation and Stakeholder Reflections
Stakeholders such as patients, communities, families, physicians, nurses, and regulators such as the Joint Commission expect Optum to provide the best care at the right time. Stakeholders’ opinions influence decisions on meeting strict quality, safety, and cost standards. Notably, everyone wants to associate themselves with a company recognized as a top performing facility capable of advancing medical excellent and helping the nation reduce health burden (Wu et al., 2019). Thus, stakeholders determine organizational efforts towards maintaining adequate nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other professionals to help patients with different needs control their health.
References
Busso, M., Gonzalez, M., & Scartascni, C. (2022). On the demand for telemedicine: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Economics, 31(7), 1491-1505. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hec.4523
Optum. (2022). Special care programs for special needs. Optum Inc. https://www.monarchhealthcare.com/services/special-care.html
Wu, J., Wang, Y., Tao, L., & Peng, J. (2019). Stakeholders in the healthcare service ecosystem. Conference on Industrial Product-Service Systems, 83, 375-379. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212827119306997/pdf?md5=799bafc16c954dbaecb2d9712d0f9ce8&pid=1-s2.0-S2212827119306997-main.pdf