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Is College in Your Child’s Future?

Posted on March 8, 2018 by adminsese Tips 0

Does your son or daughter have college in their future plans?

If so, doing well now in school is critical to those long-term goals.

Unfortunately, too many kids end up missing out on a great college because they do not have the grades.

With that in mind, what can you do to better your child’s academics now?

If you’re left wondering about the benefits of boarding schools, there are plenty of them to note.

So, is it time to learn more about such educational opportunities?

Boarding Schools Can Be What Your Kid Needs

In researching schools, gather a list that you would contemplate sending your kid to.

Whether they are close by or you would send your child off somewhere not so close; look at them side-by-side.

Among the features that should be of most interest to you and your son or daughter:

· Classes – Your first priority is making sure your child has exposure to great classes. As they start to think about college and the road ahead of them, they’re going to need to study hard now. By gaining knowledge in a boarding school, your kid has a good shot at a top-notch college.

· Outside class – As important as studies are, never overlook being active outside class. Performing arts and much more can drive your son or daughter to new opportunities. By being active in groups with other students, your child can come out of their shell. Before you know it, you have a new kid on your hands. That kid will be one who has opened up to other possibilities and experiences in life.

· Teachers – There are some great teachers in public schools. That said some your kid will have in a boarding school are top-notch. Look at the different boarding schools you might think of sending your child to. As you see bios of teachers at the institutions, you are likely going to realize that they can be of benefit to your kid.

· College prep – If your child’s goal is to get into a top-ranked college, a boarding school can be a great lead in. Ask other kids who’ve graduated from boarding schools about how beneficial that time was. It likely helped them in getting ready for the next step in their academic life.

While you should never pressure your kid into going to college, it should be something to discuss.

The bottom line is getting a good job these days is all but impossible without a solid college degree. In going to a boarding school, your child could find the education that they need to take the next big step in life.

Make it a priority to find the right boarding school so your kid can be better positioned for college.

If the time for a move to a boarding school is now, are you ready to get your child ` enrolled today?

When you do, your child could be on the road to stamping a ticket to college one day.

Why you should pursue a career in healthcare

Posted on March 4, 2018 by adminsese General Business 0

Healthcare has recently taken over as the largest employment sector in America. In 2017 it blew past retail and manufacturing, largely on the strength of an aging population. The scale and diversity of the sector offers a great opportunity to those in search of a reliable, future-proof career. Here are our five top reasons to consider pursuing a career in healthcare:

Increasing demand

Healthcare is a growth industry. That means new jobs, more opportunity, and long-term job security. The population in the United States is aging, with a full quarter of all Americans projected to pass the age of 55 within the decade. Seniors require more care then working age adults, adding to healthcare demand. There’s a baseline demand spurred on by public health coverage, and healthcare as a service is also growing in popularity, with increasing investment in value-added treatments to improve quality of life, appearance, health, and life expectancy for those who can afford extra care.

Resistant to outsourcing

While many industries have fallen prey to outsourcing, healthcare is one of the few remaining in-person services. Clinics and treatments serve a local – or at best, regional – community, meaning those jobs can’t be shipped offshore to markets where the currency is more favorable, and the labor is cheaper. Healthcare offers long-term, stable jobs to Americans, with better future prospects than most other industries.

AI can’t take over

On a related note, healthcare jobs are resistant to automation. While manufacturing, service, and knowledge-work careers have seen employment drops as technology has taken on more of the load, healthcare is still provided by humans. There will be increasing opportunities for those who provide and support healthcare technology services, but robots aren’t taking over primary care anytime soon. Medical professionals, support services, and related careers have stronger prospects than other industries that are more vulnerable to widespread automation.

Growth opportunity

Because healthcare careers are so diverse and widespread, they generally offer strong growth opportunity, in addition to long-term stability. Even very entry-level positions can grow into supervisory, management, and leadership roles over time, and, with additional education and experience, it’s possible to upgrade or specialize your skills. Rather than investing in an expensive education with limited prospects, an entry-level healthcare education is affordable, accessible, and can be upgraded as you earn, learn, and discover what career direction best suits your interests and skills.

Variety & flexibility

The healthcare sector is massive and diverse. It’s possible to start in one position and use that experience to shift to another if you find it’s not the best fit for your personality, skills, or work style. You can do a limited amount of education, work for a few years, and then upgrade your courses and shift to another job once you learn about the opportunities – or create your own opportunities and launch a medical services venture. There are roles for those who like working with people, those who gravitate toward technology, those who prefer management or administration to direct care, and a whole host of other opportunities. Depending on the direction you take, there are opportunities for flexible, freelance, and remote work, or to launch your own business. American healthcare education and experience is also highly transferrable, making it a good choice if you’d like to travel and work overseas in the future.

If you have a good idea of what type of work you’d be interested in, you can dive in with the appropriate degree or training right away or start small and work your way up. It’s worthwhile looking for a school with a diverse healthcare course list so you could start with a medical office assistant diploma, work a few years, and then go back to upgrade once you discover where your skills shine and your interests lead. Or you could take a short healthcare aide program, work and earn funds for further schooling, and then specialize in technology, or management, or a full-on primary caregiver or specialist degree in nursing, pharmacology, or med school.

Healthcare careers let you gain firsthand experience, earn money, and choose the path that’s right for you. They have some of the best long-term prospects of all sectors, with the security of an aging population that will require care for years to come, and limited capacity for outsourcing to offshore suppliers or automation by AI or robots. The healthcare sector is served by all sorts of hands-on, professional, and specialist roles, making it a diverse and flexible career choice. You can get started earning quickly and easily or invest up front in more education and then dive right into whatever role most interests you.

Make An Impact: What your car says about your business

Posted on February 2, 2015 by adminsese General Business 0

A high-end car makes an instant impression. Most of us are aware of branding, even if subconsciously, and the connection is often immediate. If you see a Mercedes Tri-Star or a Porsche coat of arms, you instantly know the quality and quite possibly the price bracket of the car. In almost all other luxury industries – for example clothing or handbags – it is possible to create a pretty convincing fake. However, with a car what you see is what you get. Playing on this association is a great way to create a first impression in business. Conversely, with cars of real quality, all of the logos and other branding could be removed and most of us would still recognise the make straightaway.

First Impressions
Cars are often regarded as status symbols, but in business, a quality car is seen more as a reflection of the standards held by the company. If a business involves transporting customers or clients the quality of the vehicle can make a key first impression. It goes without saying that the car you choose will depend on the kind of impression you want to make, which in turn depends on the nature of your business. Some great advice about what car to buy can be found here.

cars

Environmental Message
The Toyota Prius is the go-to car to project the message that your company is environmentally aware. Of course, it’s important that this clear statement of intent is backed up with an ethical business model. Being accused of hypocrisy is never a positive thing in business. The Prius wears its eco-friendly badge with pride, and is instantly recognisable.

Pure Class
If you wish to project pure class and unsurpassed quality, you won’t go far wrong with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. This car packs a lot of muscle behind its deceptively compact exterior and its sleek design makes an instant impact. Alternatively, for a real demonstration of class, invest in a Mercedes S-Class, one of the most luxurious cars on the market today. For extreme comfort and pure luxury, this car is hard to beat.

Carefree
For those looking to make a quirky design statement, a zippy Fiat 500 makes an excellent choice. Available in a wide range of fashionable colours; this is a car with real flair. Retro, endearing and possessing real Italian charm, this car is a breath of fresh air and instantly projects a fun, young image – a fashion statement on wheels.

Your choice of car really can help you project an impression of your business. Brand association is a strong tool. Just think how it is seared into our subconscious to associate black London cabs with safety, reliability and a knowledgeable driver, or a Mini with retro charm and great design. Equally, there are several makes which shall remain nameless that wear their unreliable reputations like a badge of (dis)honour. Putting some thought into the image you wish to project by your choice of vehicle really can reap rewards. If cars are part of the public face of your company, be sure that the make you choose will drive your business forward.

4 Ways an MBA Will Jumpstart Your Consulting Career

Posted on January 28, 2015 by adminsese General Business 0

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that career opportunities in consulting are expected to grow at a higher-than-average rate between 2010 and 2020. Not only are consulting careers increasingly available, they are also one of the most coveted jobs in the business world, as they provide financial security and a sense of professional achievement. Having a degree is essential to landing one of these competitive careers, and MBA graduates are aggressively pursuing consulting jobs now more than ever. Aspiring consultants may want to earn a master’s degree in business administration which will provide the following four benefits that allow for promising and competitive careers.

jump starts

Qualifies You for High-Paying Jobs

MBA graduates are in high demand by some of the country’s top consulting firms. Even in the midst of a tough economy, starting salaries for MBA graduates continue to grow. Those who have earned an undergraduate degree typically have starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $70,000, while MBA graduates can expect to earn as much as $135,000 in their first year. MBA graduates are also offered generous signing bonuses at top consulting firms such as Deloitte and Accenture. These companies offer bonuses as high as $35,000 to MBA earners fresh out of college. With MBA graduates in such high demand, it is no surprise that the financial investment of earning an MBA, including all tuition costs, is typically earned back in fewer than four years. The Washington Post reports that the those earning executive MBAs can expect an even quicker return, as the payback period has recently decreased to a meager 17 months.

Gives You an Advantage for Moving up the Ladder

When it comes to consulting, many companies require an advanced degree such as an MBA before they will consider an employee for a promotion or advancement. Even if you are otherwise qualified, senior level managers in charge of approving promotions may not know you on a personal or professional level. In these situations, your resume must speak for itself, and having an MBA is often imperative for proving that you are worthy of moving up the ladder. While an MBA may not guarantee a promotion, it significantly increases the chances of landing high-level positions. Beyond simply writing “MBA” on your resume, a master’s degree in business will give you actual experience that is transferable to the workplace. Through earning an MBA, you will gain specific casework knowledge, become technologically savvy and learn the interpersonal skills that are essential to a career in consulting. All of these qualities will greatly improve your chances of standing out as an employee worthy of earning a promotion.

Helps You Establish Credibility in the Workplace

According to Forbes, establishing your own personal credibility is one of the greatest advantages of investing in an MBA. Having an MBA gives standing to employees in the consulting industry, and those who have pursued this difficult degree have already established a level of integrity and perseverance, as well as a strong work ethic. Through the process of earning your advanced degree, you will have the opportunity to make connections in the consulting world that will give you an advantage while trying to establish yourself as a credible and competent consultant in the real world.

Provides Opportunities for Hands-On Experience

While working toward your MBA, you will have countless opportunities for hands-on experience with real-world consulting. To get the most out of your advanced degree, take every opportunity to join consulting clubs, attend forums and network with the most reputable firms in the business. MBA programs frequently connect students with alumni who are now working as consultants. Throughout your MBA career, you will have the opportunity to intern for and learn from these consulting companies, giving you a chance to delve into real-world cases. Additionally, MBA programs offer assistance in landing consulting jobs through intensive mock interviews and resume-writing courses. The application and interview process for landing a job in the consulting world is rigorous, and receiving this kind of assistance from knowledgeable professors and businesspeople is invaluable.

To land a job in the highly competitive field of consulting, standing out from the crowd is essential. Consulting firms are recognizing the value of hiring MBA graduates because of their work ethic, knowledge and hands-on experience. Consider pursuing an MBA to give you the additional tools and competitive edge you need to score one of these coveted positions.

Image by Millenia47 from Flickr Creative Commons

About the Author: Tara Jones is a contributing writer. She has worked in the business world for 20 years as a consultant, senior manager and professor.

4 Steps to Becoming an Effective, Sought-After Business Mentor

Posted on January 25, 2015 by adminsese communication General Business 0

business mentor

Mentors are the cheerleaders, the leaders who show new talent the way. They pave the way to success and encourage others to follow in their footsteps — or to go their own paths to achieve individualized successes. A business mentor relationship can be just as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the mentee. Become an effective mentor and give back to the business community. Your guidance can make a real difference.

1. Earn an Advanced Degree

Although there are always exceptions, the majority of mentors in the business world are educated, experienced people with resumes that can hardly be contained on a single page. The higher and more specialized your degree, the more interest you’ll have among people looking for a business mentor.

Demonstrate your extensive knowledge and learn mentoring tips by earning an advanced degree in a program such as organizational development and leadership. With an emphasis on leadership, your graduate program will prepare you for becoming a more-effective mentor, not just to your chosen mentee, but to all of your younger or less-experienced colleagues at your company.

2. Sign Up With an Organization

As a businessperson looking for mentees, you’ve probably had access to a number of worthy candidates in your company or field. However, there are plenty of opportunities for establishing a mentor relationship outside of your network. Volunteer for mentoring through an organization, particularly the ones most relevant to your experience.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides resources for a number of government-sponsored mentor organizations, such as Women’s Business Centers and Veteran’s Business Outreach Centers, which are always in search of experienced businesswomen and veteran businesspeople, respectively. With various chapters across the country, these organizations may make you a more sought-after mentor because of your particular expertise. You can also explore organizations exclusive to your community if such places are available.

3. Strive for a Meaningful Relationship

When you choose a mentee, try to establish a meaningful connection. This doesn’t mean you have to find someone at the same company or in the same industry. A businessperson with ambitions somewhat related to your experience, even if she doesn’t work in the exact field as you, can make as productive a connection with you as someone in your field. For example, if you’re a minority business owner, another minority businessperson striving to start a business will look up to you, even if you work in finance and he wants to start a restaurant.

So long as you find someone who shares the things in business you most value — hard work, taking calculated risks and innovative ideas, for example — the possibility for an effective mentor-mentee relationship is present. Before you establish a long-term relationship, review prospective mentees’ resumes and take them out on an interview meeting. Part of becoming an effective sought-after mentor is realizing you can’t mentor everyone who’s interested because it takes work to create meaningful relationships with those few you choose.

4. Engage in Dynamic Activities

Meeting for coffee or a meal is one way to touch base with your mentees, but it’s not the only or most effective. Do something fun and active with your mentees, and word will get around that you’re not like the other mentors who just occasionally eat with people. Ideas for a mentor-mentee meeting, before, during or after which you can discuss business issues, include:

Playing a sports game
Attending a conference
Going to a theme park
Meeting in the park
Going camping together
Taking kids or grandkids out for a play date

To make sure your legacy lives on after your retirement, you need to do more than just focus on your career and business goals. If you’re interested in leadership, and if you’ve shown talent as a leader, do service to yourself and to the business community at large by becoming a business mentor. Look for mentees in your company, your industry or even in an entirely different field. Wherever there’s a budding young businessperson with drive and a passion to succeed, you’ll find your mentoring talents valued.

About the Author: Shonna White is a businesswoman and mentor with over three decades of experience at a Fortune 500 company.

Good Cab Companies Provide Quality Customer Service

Posted on December 27, 2014 by adminsese customer-service 0

Good customer service plays a huge role in the success of an organisation. We are still currently going through somewhat of a financial hardship in the UK, and companies need to set themselves apart. This is why caring and looking after customer demands and needs, is even more essential.

Develop and Maintain Integrity with Honesty

A good business is an honest business. Even if there is a possibility a piece of honesty might affect the sales of a company, it is important to pride that above all else. This is because the longevity of a company is based on the reputation it has. An untrusted organisation will not make money forever. A cab company for instance, needs to remain trustworthy because it is so easy to lose a reputation. Some of these companies will manipulate their customers. When in fact, it’s important a company makes sure they make promises they can keep.

Politeness Can Go Such a Long Way

It is an extremely obvious suggestion to be nice to customers, but it’s a tool that is often not utilised. Numerous companies, and even whole industries do not practice this. Trade companies over the years have developed a reputation for messing around their customers. For cab companies, being polite is even more paramount due to the proximity to their customers. It is important that drivers make their customers feel relaxed and comfortable, because word of mouth advertising can be profoundly effective.

Take Time to Get to Know Your Customers

It is a must for companies to get know their customers. Gaining a familiarity with the people that regularly use their business can be very beneficial tool. The majority of customers across a range of different industries will purchase certain products and use a certain service because they are familiar with it. This is why cab companies need to create this connection with all new and existing customers.

Tailor Your Service to Their Needs

Every good business will tell you that they tailor their business to the demands of their clients or customers. For the most part, this may just be overselling talking. In premise this idea is perfect, but there has to be some sort of follow-through. For a cab company a great way to tailor the service would be to appeal to a new market with the help of a company like Cab Direct. Finding new markets is an important part of business, a tailoring your vehicles so they have wheelchair access could open up a whole new side of your business.

Setting Expectations: The Key to High-Functioning Teams

Posted on December 21, 2014 by adminsese communication General Business 0

High-performing teams are one of the hallmarks of a successful organization. When the teams in the company work well together and communicate effectively, they are better at managing tasks and are likelier to meet company-wide performance benchmarks.

While there are several characteristics of high-functioning teams, one of the most important things any manager can do to ensure good performance from his or her team is to set expectations. Making your expectations clear to team members and helping them understand the consequences for failing to meet expectations helps keep everyone on track and aware of what they need to do and when.

focused business

It’s not uncommon for managers to fail to establish adequate expectations. Sometimes this happens because managers want to avoid becoming dictators and prefer to let the team manage itself. Sometimes it’s because the manager incorrectly assumes the expectations are clear, believing that further clarification is unnecessary. Regardless of the reason, a manager who does not set expectations is likely not an effective one and will not have employees who are happy, motivated and productive.

Expectations vs. Goals

When you study the principles of leadership, one of most important things you will learn is how and why to set expectations — and that expectations are different than goals. Many leaders mistake these two, and while they are related, the differences between them are quite significant.

In short, expectations are the standards that guide your daily behavior and efforts. Goals are what you hope to accomplish. For example, a restaurant’s goal might be to be the highest-rated location in terms of customer satisfaction among an entire chain. To meet that goal, team members must adhere to certain expectations regarding how they interact with customers. The expectation isn’t that the restaurant will be number one, but that the team will do everything possible to make that goal a reality.

Before you can establish expectations, you must establish goals. What is the team hoping to accomplish? Everyone wants to feel like he or she has a purpose, and setting a goal helps provide that purpose and gives team members a framework to guide their activities and behaviors. Make sure the goals are specific, measurable and realistic, and establish benchmarks so the team can assess its progress and make adjustments.

Common Team Expectations

While specific team expectations vary according to the organization and industry — a hospital will have different expectations for its employees than an auto body shop, for example — there are certain categories of expectations that apply across industries. At minimum, managers should establish expectations in the following areas to lay the groundwork for a successful team.

Behavior. Obviously, you expect your team members to behave appropriately and professionally. However, setting specific expectations for how team members are to handle certain situations can prevent problems. For example, you might expect team members to avoid particular words or phrases in lieu of others, or perhaps you require anyone who has a problem to devise a potential solution before addressing the group. These standards bring order to the group and prevent misunderstandings down the road.

Conflict resolution. Conflict is an inevitable part of teamwork — we’re only human after all. Conflict does not have to be negative as it often can lead to creative solutions. How we deal with conflict can make the difference in how the team functions. Set expectations and a clear process for dealing with disagreements, and you’ll have healthier (and shorter) conflicts among team members.

Division of labor. Quite simply, team members must understand exactly what they are responsible for doing. Establish expectations for how to handle situations in which no one is responsible for a task. By doing so, you’ll avoid claims of “It’s not my job,” or “I thought that so-and-so would handle that.”

Failure to perform. Setting expectations is important, but it’s equally as important to establish what will happen if the expectations are not met. Clearly outlining the consequences for failing to meet expectations prevents confusion and provides recourse should a team member fail to fulfill his or her role.

Successful managers establish clear expectations for their teams, and successful teams adhere to expectations and work toward a common goal. Whether you are a new manager just getting your footing or a more experienced leader struggling to keep your people on track, take time to set expectations and watch your results improve.

About the Author: Rhonda Deland is a strategic management consultant and business blogger.

A Myriad Reasons to Hire a Professional SEO Company

Posted on November 26, 2014 by adminsese General Business 0

Whether you are a small business or a large one, and are looking out for services to take your digital presence to the next level, you absolutely must invest in the potential of SEO in Melbourne. SEO or Search engine optimization is a strategy that promotes the exposure of your website through higher visibility in the search engines. This ultimately results in an increase in website traffic. While many business owners take it upon themselves to devise their own SEO strategies, the more effective method would be hire the services of a professional agency that offers SEO in Melbourne. Here are some reasons you should consider hiring a professional SEO in Melbourne.

1. It is an expertise that not everyone can excel at

Think about it, if you had an open-heart surgery to perform, would you buy a ‘how-to- book and give it a shot yourself? Probably not. You would leave things like that to a professional, like a surgeon, who has received adequate training on the subject. In the same way, SEO strategies are most effective when undertaken by a professional SEO expert who is aware of all the nuances of this inbound marketing strategy.

2. You don’t have to spend time and energy trying to understand how search engine algorithms work yourself

Search engine algorithms are second nature to SEO companies. This knowledge then allows a, SEO company to increase the search engine ranking of your website by strategizing accordingly. If you had to do it yourself, you would have to learn how search engines work and how they rank sites. With years of knowledge and dedication, you too could master the science of SEO. But if you are looking for quick and effective results that are quantifiable, you should consider joining forces with an SEO agency.

3. You can concentrate on your other aspects of your business

When you hire a company that offers SEO in Melbourne, you can hand over the reins of the job to them completely, as you focus on other aspects of your business. This SEO company will take care of everything such as marketing, ranking, and optimization concerns.

4. You will be able to enjoy professional quality of work

Search engine optimization is something that SEO companies do on a daily basis. So, you can expect systematic implementation of work when you hire their services. Systems and processes are already in place. You will receive periodic reports and regular updates on how your project is developing so that you can see if your SEO strategy is performing well or not. You will get comprehensive, detailed reports that describe the job being done as well as improvements in search engine rankings. These reports follow certain standards in the field. So if you are considering SEO for your business, consider using the professional services of a company that offers SEO in Melbourne. They are more aware of SEO strategies, benchmarks, metric systems, and other tools to complete the job more effectively and efficiently.

The Difference in Private, Public, and International Schools in China

Posted on October 17, 2014 by adminsese communication Uncategorized 0

Education in China is continually growing and parents are eager to send their kids to school there. The national government has instituted a “Nine Year Compulsory Education Program” for all citizens of the country. In this educational campaign, education is free; therefore, the number of students attending middle schools in China or other learning institutions at different levels are increasing each year. Even though it is free, there are additional fees that need to be paid for, such as uniforms, and books etc.

As expatriate parents, you are not exempted from increasing school fees. With that, you are considering several options on where to enrol your children.

Public Schools

Because of innovations, Chinese learning institutions are now accepting children of expats or foreigners holding legal resident status. This is a welcome move for parents as private school education becomes more expensive each year. Expat parents are not exempted from the benefit of free tuition. However, the fees that they pay to a public school of choice are much lower when compared with what parents will pay if they want to enrol their children in private schools.

Language is a big problem; therefore, it is suggested that your children should be equipped and prepared with skills in the language. Another aspect that parents should consider is that non-Chinese speakers are usually held back one year level if enrolled through the public school system.

Private Schools

This type of school has better advantages when compared to public schools. The student population per classroom is much lower. There is little barrier when it comes to language as subjects are taught in English, or the school has language tutorial support. In a public school, all subjects are taught in Chinese and offer little or no support at all when it comes to language.

The learning environment and processes in private schools are just replicates of the public school system. But there are private schools which embed learning process and accreditation of foreign schools in order for students to be accepted in any schools around the world. It can be deduced that private schools are better equipped than public schools.

International Schools

International schools are still preferred among expats, but it is more expensive than private schools. The number of international schools in China is quite impressive and most of these are located in urban cities. Normally, the baccalaureate program of this type of school follows that of their origin country. Some of these schools are also incorporating local subjects such as Chinese language and culture. The cost of education in this kind of learning institution is as high as that in the U.S.

Just because you are an expat in this country, your obvious choice for academic institutions for your children is not always private or international middle schools in China. This is not the case; you may also want to try public schools if only for cheap school fees or for a more colourful experience for your children.

How the Affordable Care Act May Lead to Higher Demand for Public Health Professionals

Posted on September 23, 2014 by adminsese customer-service General Business 0

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law by President Obama roughly three years ago. Since its implementation, families and health care facilities have received considerable gains or losses due to this change. According to the U.S. Department of Human Health Services, the ACA was signed to make preventative care — family planning and related services — more affordable and accessible for Americans.

health care

States Have the Opportunity to Opt Out of Health Care Reform

According to a CBS News article, “States opting out of Medicaid expansion could leave many uninsured.” The Supreme Court states this option when it clarified the parts of the ACA that do not need to be followed.

In a report published by the Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, a state-by-state analysis estimates that more than five million health care patients would have coverage if all of the states participated in the Medicaid expansion. However, half of the nation’s community health centers (CHC) are in states that opted out of the expansion.

Today, 25 states have opted out of the Medicaid expansion. Approximately 72 percent of the states that denied the reform are Southern states. According to this report, the result of these states’ choices to opt out left more than a million uninsured CHC patients that would have been covered under a nationwide Medicaid expansion.

Benefits of the Health Care Reform

The primary care reforms in the ACA, listed on Commonwealthfund.org, include:

Provisions for temporarily increasing Medicare and Medicaid payments to primary care providers
Fostering innovation in the delivery of care, with special attention paid to care models that will lead to better health outcomes and reduced patient-care experiences
Enhancing support of primary care providers
Investing in the continued development of the primary care workforce

The website states that if these changes are implemented effectively, the United States will be on the path to a stronger and more sustainable primary care system — one that not only will provide expanded access and superior quality but also will lead to better health outcomes for millions of Americans, while reducing future health costs for our nation.

A Need for More Health Care Providers

An effective health system only can function if there is a strong primary care foundation available to the people. According to Essentials of the U.S. Healthcare System, those who can obtain medical attention regularly are less likely to contract a serious illness as opposed to those who do not have access to regular primary care physicians.

A recent study has shown that half of all adults have difficulty obtaining access to primary care physicians. Delays to see doctors or nurses and receiving care after hours also have been problems in the United States.

Only 29 percent of U.S. primary care practices are available to patients during evening hours, on the weekends or on holidays, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Population growth, according to a 2008 study found on Commonwealthfund.org, predicts that primary care physicians’ workloads will increase by one-third between 2005 and 2025.

How the ACA Is Impacting Primary Care

Commonwealthfund.org lists several provisions of the ACA that will impact the primary care industry, including:

Primary care reimbursement rates with Medicare will increase by 10 percent.
Medicaid levels of reimbursement will increase to about the same level as Medicare.
Thirty-two million more people will be insured.
Fifteen to 20 million patients with preventative or primary care coverage will be served by 2015.

Commonwealthfund.org also states that federally qualified health care centers (FQHC) will receive several benefits due to the ACA, including but not limited to:

$11 billion provided over a five-year period to expand the FQHC program
A new teaching-health-center grant program
Loan forgiveness for pediatric subspecialists and mental-health services providers

The ACA puts primary care facilities first to ensure Americans are getting the best health care available. This ultimately means that health care professionals are in high demand due to the way the ACA is structured. No doubt, new health care curriculums — such as those for Masters of Public Health programs — will be attractive to students seeking secure, lucrative careers.

Image from Foster.com

About the Author: Steve Burton is an economist who studies U.S. job trends.