Question

1. An elderly widow covered only by Medicare Parts A and B is a patient in your clinic.  You know her resources are limited. She receives a very small pension and Social Security benefits. She is facing hip replacement that will involve surgery, hospital care, rehabilitation care prior to her return to her apartment, and outpatient physical therapy. Describe what steps your clinic might take to ease her financial burden for this much needed care.

2. Using the internet, research and define a patient-centered medical home (PCMH).

Answer 1

1) 8 ways to ease her financial burden includes

-have a money conversation -discussion about cost and options of treatment will help to save money without lessening the quality of care.

-be empathetic to the patients concern

-get creative on scheduling -offer a visit that takes less time and scheduling them during the slow periods like afternoon.

-offer payment plan -in this the patient is allowed to pay little amount of a pavement and later when situation becomes normal that can pay the rest amount. Patient is asked to sign an agreement in order to monthly pay the amount.

-accepting what they can offer-having a Frank conversation with the patient will help to get treatment when needed and they can pay the partial amount and later rest of the amount.

-helping them to find assistance-if the patient still cannot accept the fee ,then you can send them to local government clinics or healthcare centres s,where they are treated for no cost.

-Barter -some patients who cannot afford the pavement may be able to pay in service or goods.

-bring in financial companies -who can sponsor their payments.

2. Patient-centered medical home

It is a care delivery model in which patient's treatment is coordinated through their primary care physician to ensure they receive necessary care when and where are they needed.