D#1 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the computerization of

medical records. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Discuss your

answer.

The advantages of the computerization of medical records include better quality of care and
patient safety, cost saving with fewer work place inefficiencies, increase storage capabilities.
Records accessible to many people at remote sites at the same time, information then is almost
immediate. Medicals records are continuously updated which automatically provide medical
alerts and reminders. It will be less charting time and fever charting errors for healthcare
providers and clinical staff. Lastly, there is more accurate billing information. Despite the
benefits, there are drawbacks associated such as high start-up costs, substantial learning curve
because of the generational gaps, confidentiality and security issues. Finally, a lack of
standardized terminology, system architecture, and indexing has been noted. Overall, experts and
policymakers believe that a significant benefit to patients and society outweighs the
disadvantages for it will be used in a meaningful way. It has transformed health care, in my
opinion, with our continuous computerized medical records at Kaiser Permanente. We have
provided a better healthcare by improving all aspects of patient care, including safety,
effectiveness, patient-centeredness, communication, education, timeliness, efficiency, and equity.
Menachemi N, Collum TH. Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems. Risk
Management and Healthcare Policy. 2011;4:47-55. doi:10.2147/RMHP.S12985.

D#2
The Affordable Care Act requires Americans to buy insurance in order to subsidize lower income persons.
The architect of the plan was interviewed about the political will to pass this type of bill ( VIDEO). Do you
believe that Americans should be fined for not buying a commodity suich as health insurance? Why or
why not?
Yes, I believe that Americans should be fined for not buying a commodity such as health insurance. More
than half of all personal bankruptcies in the United States can be traced at least partly to medical bills. But
I see it more as a tax, not a fine (Boak, 2014, paragraph 2). If an individual does not have health
insurance, the rest of us will have to pay for that individual especially if they utilize the emergency room.

Boak, J. (2014, December 12). 42.9 million Americans have unpaid medical bills. Retrieved
September 07, 2016, from http://finance.yahoo.com/news/42-9-million-americans-unpaid050259601.html;_ylt=A0SO8zvwI9JX23kAtMVXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEybjQ2bHYwBGNvb
G8DZ3ExBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDVUkyQzNfMQRzZWMDc3I-

Has the Affordable Care Act had a noticeable impact on cost? If so,
how?
Yes, I believe the Affordable Care Act had a noticeable impact on cost for now it is more
affordable for millions of Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services, Of the about 10.2 million consumers who had paid their premium and had active
Marketplace coverage on March 31, 2015, nearly 8.7 million (85 percent) nationwide and 6.4

million in the 34 states with Federally-facilitated Marketplaces received an average premium tax
credit of $272 per month. And in 2015, nearly 80 percent of Marketplace shoppers using
HealthCare.gov could purchase coverage for $100 or less after tax credits. A
recent Commonwealth Fund study found that in 2014, fewer Americans had problems paying
medical bills or medical debt, and fewer went without care because they couldnt afford it. This is the
first decline and lowest level in these areas since 2005 (The Affordable Care Act is Working, 2014,
paragraph 10). This has been a big change, but certainly will not eliminate the problem due to the
high volume of illegal immigrants in the country. However, the expansion of coverage is not an
expansion of actual care. When Congress passed the ACA, it released a potential tsunami of newly
insured patients, flooding a healthcare system that was already strained and fragile. The healthcare
workforce has had shortages for decades and we are not prepared to meet such a big influx of
patients right away. Training health care professionals take years and without more graduates from
nursing or medical schools, patients will have to endure longer wait times, difficulty accessing and
shortened visitation with providers. A system overload will eventually happen.

Secretary, H. O. (2014, October 07). The Affordable Care Act is Working. Retrieved September
10, 2016, from http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts-and-features/fact-sheets/aca-isworking/index.html