The healthcare ecosystem is influenced by external forces in the form of government regulations, accreditation standards, and federal legislation. These regulations and legislation are components of federal government programs and bring with them directives that may impact the economics of healthcare.

As greater numbers of healthcare organizations implement information systems across the United States, a seamless exchange of health information may provide consumers with a higher quality of care, improvement in patient access, and more efficient control of the cost of healthcare services. The healthcare ecosystem is one of continuous change, and care coordination is supporting many of the changes.

A. Analyze Medicare by doing the following:

1. Explain how Medicare’s payer program impacts licensure, certification, or accreditation standards.

2. Explain how Medicare’s payer program influences each of the following:

a. quality reporting systems

b. reimbursement for healthcare services

c. patient access to care

B. Evaluate how health information plays a part in Medicare by discussing a specific professional role within the Health Services profession and how the role supports the goals of Medicare.