Fundamental Differences between Medical Practice and Other Businesses
There are various fundamental differences between medical practice and other businesses. The practice of medicine as carried out by a medical practitioner or physical is what defines a medical practice. Practicing medicine typically entails diagnosing as well as prescribing therapy for a given medical disorder. A business on the other hand is a firm designed to play the role of providing services, goods, or both to customers.
Businesses may either be owned by the state or privately owned with the aim of generating profits. Only individuals who are qualified, have appropriate certification, licensure or registration with an applicable governmental body are legally allowed to practice medicine. Other businesses on the other hand do not necessarily require certification or licensure with a governmental body. It is however essential to have relevant skills required for running a particular from of business (Calhoun, Light and Infeld, 1997, pg 330).
Another difference between medical practice and other businesses stems from the hiring process. It is evident that there hiring the workforce for non-medical business is extremely different from hiring staff for medical practice. There are some extra requirements that should be taken into consideration when hiring staff in a medical practice. This is because medical practice entails a group of professionals called upon to put the welfare of their patients ahead of normal business processes and not just any from of business.
Hence, one of the most fundamental differences between medical practice and several other businesses is that lives are at stake. Despite the fact that profitability is of concern, the health and well-being of the customer base determines the failure or success of a medical practice. While majority of small enterprises expect a certain error margin from their workforce, particularly in terms of office procedures, medical practices do not leave any room fro mistakes. Patients may suffer devastating consequences due to misunderstanding or miscommunication (Calhoun, et al, 1997, pg 352).
There are several changes that have occurred in medicine encouraging a businesslike approach to medical practice. Fundamental changes have occurred in a patient perspective whereby today’s patient is more mature and informed. Patients are getting a great deal of medical and scientific information through magazines, newspapers, television, radio and lectures.
Hence, they have the desire to understand and know more about their medical conditions. They are well-informed and want to get explanations that conform to their intelligence level. In fact, majority of the patients currently want to take part in their specific medical care programs. This is more like a form of partnership between a medical practitioner and a patient, which encourages the medical practice to employ a businesslike approach (Calhoun, et al, 1997, pg 380).
Another notable change that has been witnessed in the medical practice is that of physicians setting reasonable valued for the medical services provided. Similarly to giving clear explanation regarding patients’ medical condition, doctors are able to invite and initiate open discussions regarding the services provided and the charges prior to rendering medical services. Currently, several medical practitioners have individual standard fee schedules, raised for patients demanding luxurious services and revised downward foe those with lower income rates. This seems to be a reasonable business-like approach so long as patients are charged fair rather than exorbitant medical fees.
Engaging doctors in leadership positions has encouraged a businesslike approach to medical practice. There are several countries that have attempted to engage medical practitioners in leadership responsibilities through provision of training and support programs. This process aligns the health plan to a medical group, contributing to significantly high performance levels. Change should be initiated by physicians in a culture characterized by commitment towards improving care instead of complying with external needs. From the above discussion, it is evident that the medical field has undergone a tremendous transformation, which encourages adoption of a businesslike approach to medical practice (Calhoun, et al, 1997, pg 390-400).
An effective health-care plan that would reduce the high cost and increase access to quality health care for all citizens will be examined. The plan should entail creation of appropriate economic incentives where every citizen is aggravated to ensure quality, improve life as well as minimize costs. Within such a system, employers, individuals, providers as well as health plans have a provision for incentives aimed at encouraging citizens to make sound decisions regarding their health practices as well as treatment options that are grounded on transparent costs and comprehensive health information.
The health-care plan strategy should enable both public and private employers to advance the utilization of information technology on health. Also, the plan should enable formation of a nationwide group of medical experts who would play the role of implementing actions that would lower the costs of health care services. Additionally, the plan should give support to payment changes that result to quality outcomes and improved cost effectiveness. Finally, the health-care plan needs to support appropriate health care actions that develop a financial model that is sustainable, and that support national economic growth.
Reference
Calhoun, C. J., Light, D., & Infeld, S. (1997). Sociology (7th Ed). McGraw Hill, Chapter 12 & Chapter 14.
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