Synopsis

Students learn about the appropriate ways to access the health care system and the barriers that may exist. A student handout allows students to research about getting health care in their community.

Teaching Steps

1. 1. Discuss components of comprehensive health care system.

   Transparencies:

   • Spectrum of Care
   • Settings for Care

   Provide an overview of health care delivery system.

   CONCEPTS

   Individuals need to know ways to care for their own health (self-care) throughout the life span.

   • Ways to prevent illness
   • Ways to promote health
   • Ways to manage minor illnesses and injuries

   Individuals need to know when to seek assistance with their health care from a medical provider.

   • Is a situation something that can be taken care of without medical attention?
   • Is medical attention needed from a clinic or doctor's office (i.e.: can it wait over night?)?
   • Is medical attention needed immediately (i.e.: Emergency care)

   Individuals need to understand their community's system and know where to seek assistance with their health care needs.

2. 2. Students assess local health care system.

   Distribute sources of information about your local community. Have students locate health service information. Ask them to determine the comprehensiveness and accessibility of local health care services and providers.

3. 3. Discuss ways to use the health care system.

   Discuss appropriate ways to access the health care system. See Elements of a Health Care System.

   CONCEPTS

   • The best place for people to enter the health care system is at the lowest level where they can be treated.
   • Primary care is at a lower level than specialty care, which is at a lower level than inpatient care.
   • Emergency room care is expensive, so it should only be used for situations that do require immediate treatment.
   • The level at which people access care depends on several factors, including:
   • What is available in the community
   • How the service will be paid for

4. 4. Discuss barriers to accessing health care.

   Discuss factors that make it difficult for some people to access appropriate levels of health care.

   CONCEPTS

   Barriers to accessing health care include:

   • Lack of services (e.g., no local providers for the needed services)
   • Location of services (e.g., travel distance, accessibility to public transportation, safety of area)
   • Hours of operation (e.g., unavailable evenings or weekends)
   • Cost of services
     • Is Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance accepted for services?
     • Can uninsured people or people who are unable to pay receive low-cost or no-cost care?
     • Does the insurance plan cover the needed service(s)?
     • Is pre-authorization required by insurance?
   • Are appointments required? How long is the wait for an appointment for someone with Medicaid? How long is the wait for someone without insurance or who is unable to pay?

5. 5. Students demonstrate using local health care system.

   Student Page: Getting Health Care in Your Community

   Divide class into five groups. Assign each group one of the following health conditions:

   • Treatment for the flu
   • Help with alcohol or other drug abuse (outpatient, not inpatient care)
   • Prenatal care
   • Management of a severe asthma episode
   • Management of diabetes

   Have students discuss what they would do in their community to get help for the condition. Have groups contact community resources and then complete the student page.

6. 6. Reflect, summarize, and discuss.

   Review comprehensive health care systems and how to access health services.

Assessment

Divide students into groups of four or five. Have groups choose a health condition for which a hypothetical teenager needs treatment. Have them research local health care resources and develop a plan for the teenager to receive treatment for the condition. Have them incorporate potential barriers to treatment and possible solutions. Have groups present scenarios to entire class.

Related Lessons

Related Resources