Social Trends In Health Care

In the U.S. health care expenditures are increasing rapidly with no signs of slowing down. According to Zerwekh (2015) “Currently, the united States is spending 18% of its income on health care” (p.358). There are many different intrinsic and extrinsic factors that have contributed to the uprising cost of health care including, characteristics of the population, employer-paid health insurance, demand for health care, prescription drug cost, availability of technology, and workforce costs (Zerwekh, 2015, p. 356). There are several demographic, social, and political trends that impact the economy of health care. According to Zerwekh (2015), “During the projection period of 2009 to 2019, the Baby Boomers (citizens born between 1946 and 1964) …show more content…
Smoking, obesity, and alcohol abuse are all modifiable behaviors contributing the increase in health care costs (Voluntary Health Risks, Who Should Pay, 2015). Obesity is rising in the United States, with more than one third of adults being obese (Adult Obesity Facts). With obesity comes obesity-associated conditions such as, type II diabetes, stoke and heart disease. Smoking causes comorbidities such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis (Smoking & Tobacco use). Long-term use of alcohol causes health problems such as, hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and digestive problems (Fact Sheets- Alcohol Use and Your …show more content…
This includes, concurrent planning, pre-certification, clinical case appeals, and discharge planning (Utilization Management). UM helps to reduce denied claims, manage medical costs, and channels patients to in network providers. This process improves the communication between all parties included; the payers, providers, and insurers (Utilization