Peer 1:  In August of 1997, the historic Balanced Budget Act was signed into law. Included in that Act was the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) provision which was enacted shortly after in October of 1997. Despite being enacted to help balance the federal budget by restricting Medicare spending as it related to physician services, the policy was full of complexities and confusion (Hirsch, et al., 2016). This later led Congress to repeal SGR in 2015 as part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, also known as MACRA (Spivack, Laugesen, & Oberlander, 2018). There are four factors that influence the SGR target that is used to help control Medicare expenditure growth for physician services. These factors are fees for physicians’ services, the number of Medicare beneficiaries, US gross domestic product, and service expenditures based on changing law or regulations (Hirsch, et al., 2016). Fees for Physicians’ Services Fees for physicians’ services is one of the types of Medicare coverage. Services are given a code which in turn, the codes have an associated value or fee that a physician charges. The fees are added up and this is one way a patient is billed for payment. In 2019, 63% of Medicare coverage fell under the FFS (Fees for Service), (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, 2021). Number of Medicare Beneficiaries Medicare is a federally based insurance program that was introduced in 1965. To be eligible for Medicare, one must be either be 65 years of age or a person with a disability and those with End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplant. In 2020, over 18% of American citizens were enrolled in the Medicare program, which equates to approximately 62.6 million people (Yang, 2021). With the aging population living longer the number of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled would be expected to increase. More people on Medicare leads to higher healthcare expenditures and resulting in a different way of delivering healthcare services.  US Gross Domestic Product Growth Domestic Product (GDP) is the overall health of an economy. Several factors weigh in on calculating a countries GDP such as consumer spending, investments, and government spending. Typically, if the economy is doing good then the GDP will reflect growth, and on the flip side, if the economy is performing poorly, the GDP decreases. In order to have sustainability, Medicare spending cannot consistently exceed GDP. Service Expenditures Based on Changing Law or Regulations Government policies and regulations are a determinant of service expenditures. An example is the Affordable Care Act of 2010 that invoked certain healthcare coverage mandates that would lead to increased accessibility and affordability. The recent regulatory actions that were put in place at the onset of the pandemic increased the need for telemedicine and payments permitted across state lines. Regulations were fast-tracked so that patients can receive healthcare services and healthcare systems could receive payment.  References Hirsch, J., Harvey, H., Barr, R., Donovan, W., Duszak, R., Nicola, G., Schaefer, P., & Manchikanti, L. (2016). Sustainable Growth Rate Repealed, MACRA Revealed: Historical Context and Analysis of Recent Changes in Medicare Physician Payment Methodologies. American Journal of Neuroradiology, 37(2), 210-214. https://doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4522 Spivack, S., Laugesen, M., and Oberlander, J. (2018). The Politics and Policy of Health Reform No Permanent Fix: MACRA, MIPS, and the Politics of Physician Payment Reform. Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law, 43(6), 1025-1040. https://doi.org.exproxy.umgc.edu/10.1215/03616878-…  Peer 2: As stated in the reading, the two Medicare physician payment methodologies, known as merit based incentive payment system and the APM, the MACRA allowed for more switches to value based care systems in the healthcare industry. Beneficiaries are allotted more quality service and access through this change, while avoiding the cutting of physician spending.  Implementing a Value-based care mode into virtually all healthcare practices would help in decreasing unnecessary spending while simultaneously improving patient care. Traditionally, in the field of healthcare, patient services were paid for through fee-for-service. Value-based models aim to reward outcomes while also limiting spending. Value- based care models are centered around patient treatment and have a goal to reduce hospital readmissions, improve preventative care methods, and use state of the art healthcare technologies (Vogenburg, 2019). Although value-based care is more effective, there hasn’t been a strong push to completely transition from volume-based care methods. So far, value-Based models have been implemented in Kaiser Permanente, the Cleveland Clinic and Geisinger Health system (Vogenburg, 2019)  Value-based care models will decrease cost, improve quality and continue to improve patient access. Value-based care models focus on helping patients recover from their illnesses and injuries more quickly and seek to find the root of the issue. In return, patients do not have to attend frequent doctor’s visits or receive invasive procedures. From a pharmaceutical standpoint, they will also  spend less money on prescription medications, as time goes on. Overall, implementing this model will benefit both patients and providers.  Reference: J.A. Hirsch, H.B. Harvey, R.M. Barr, W.D. Donovan, R. Duszak, G.N. Nicola, P.W. Schaefer and L. Manchikanti. American Journal of Neuroradiology February 2016,  37 (2) 210-214; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A4522  Vogenberg, F. R. (2019). US Healthcare Trends and Contradictions in 2019. American Health & Drug Benefits, 12(1), 40–47.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.