Question

Patient A - has been seen in clinic often. Does not have a job or income. Is on a state-funded medical insurance. Patient B - is a single parent who works two part time jobs to make ends meet. Neither job allows them to qualify for health insurance. Patient states they are concerned about the cost of their visit and the only reason they visited the clinic is because their boss sent them home because of their cough and they were told that they can not return to work without a doctor?s note. - Both patients present to the clinic with a cough, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing and a slight fever. As a healthcare provider you have determined that both patients are experiencing a bout of bronchitis, but there might be an underlying heart condition that has not been previously detected. You notice that there is only a slightly elevated blood pressure, but patient does have a high BMI that registers near obese levels. Both patients might also be pre-type II diabetic based on age and weight, but further testing would be needed to confirm. 1. Address the following questions in your post and response posts: A. Would both of these patients receive the same level of treatment? B. Would both patients receive the same testing? C. Do you think it is important to know the patient?s financial and insurance status prior to treatment and examination?

Answer 1

ANSWER 1) No, both of the wil not receive the same level of treatment. The reason behind it is Patient A though does not have a job but still can bear the cost of treatment as he have a medical insurance. Moreover he visits the clinic regularly and is willing to receive treatment for his condition.

Whereas on the other hand Patient B though have a job but still do not want to receive any treatment. They are attending the clinic only because their boss have forced them to do so. Moreover, they do not have an income to bear the cost of treatment and have no health insurance to support them.

ANSWER 2) Yes, as the clinical manifestations of both the patients are the same and the risk factors are also similar, they will be prescribed to undergo same testing. But as their financial status is not the same, the Patient B may be prescribed only the emergency tests needed to provide immediate care and treatment.

ANSWER 3) Yes, its do important to know the financial and insurance status prior to treatment and examination. The health care delivery is not free for anyone, its either cost effective providing services at minimum cost or the cost may be covered by some insurance company. Knowing the financial status will

• help the physician to plan the treatment as per the priority of his condition.
• It will save the time and effort of the health care personnel by avoiding those test and procedure which can be delayed for short duration of time.
• This will also protect the patients and their family members from the legal implications due to non payment of hospital bills.
• The information regarding their financial status will help the health personnels to direct the patients towards availability of concessions or other payments options.
• The health personnel can educate the patients and thenfamily members about the treatment modalities available so that they can make proper decision for the choice of treatment according to their financial status.