How to Answer: If you were given the opportunity to change one thing about the healthcare system, what would you choose to do?
1. If you were given the opportunity to change one thing about the healthcare system, what would you choose to do?
How to Answer
Another policy-based question, this query also looks for your professional perspective. The panel wants to see that you are knowledgable on the healthcare system in your region, showing a keen understanding of the challenges you might face as a medical provider. It is easy to spend time picking apart the healthcare system; however, this question also urges you to take time for reflection and give your perspective and ideas on how to create positive change. Pick your topic of choice and be ready to provide a balanced view of what you would do to create change.
Answer Example
"I believe that the biggest opportunity for change with the US-based healthcare system is the unequal access to healthcare benefits. People who are not provided coverage through an employer, students, new immigrants - many people cannot afford the hundreds of dollars per month that it can cost to purchase individual health insurance. This issue leaves many people who are in a healthcare crisis feeling lost and desperate. If I could make changes to repair this issue, I would begin by looking at other government structures where access to healthcare is much better. For instance, in the Netherlands, most people have easy access to primary care centers. Health insurance is mandatory; however, it is much more affordable and accessible than the choices we have here in the USA. All in all, if I could make a change, I would entertain an offering similar to that in the Netherlands or even Switzerland, which includes universal coverage through mandatory yet affordable private insurance."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
"While many issues are present, I believe it is necessary to shift to a system that reimburses based on outcome rather than based on the fact that a procedure was formed. While I do knw the prevalence of the issue, I do understand that sometimes people are designated for procedures or medications that are medically unnecessary. In such instances where the procedures are unnecessary, there is the risk of both physical and financial harm to patients. Regarding financial harm, the price of insurance for other patients may increase due to higher than necessary expenditures by insurance companies. Regarding prescriptions, sometimes medications that are significantly more expensive may be prescribed without having palpably higher efficacy than cheaper meds.
By switching to results-oriented reimbursement, we can deter the prescription of unnecessary procedures and medications. We will also incentivize medical decision making that puts the patient's wellness first. The primary downside for results-oriented reimbursement is that sometimes a procedure or medical decision is contested amongst professionals, and therefore determining whether the result was optimal relative to other procedures or patients can become subjective. Additionally, sometimes difficult decisions need to be made with urgency and may not allow for ideal preparations and option weighing, though the patient would still benefit from such procedures relative to no medical treatment in those instances. Additionally, hospitals could become strained if they are to receive fewer finances for procedures performed. However, the benefit of placing a priority on patient wellness makes this the one thing I would change in healthcare, and with proper legislation, this could be implemented effectively to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial strain on patients."
By switching to results-oriented reimbursement, we can deter the prescription of unnecessary procedures and medications. We will also incentivize medical decision making that puts the patient's wellness first. The primary downside for results-oriented reimbursement is that sometimes a procedure or medical decision is contested amongst professionals, and therefore determining whether the result was optimal relative to other procedures or patients can become subjective. Additionally, sometimes difficult decisions need to be made with urgency and may not allow for ideal preparations and option weighing, though the patient would still benefit from such procedures relative to no medical treatment in those instances. Additionally, hospitals could become strained if they are to receive fewer finances for procedures performed. However, the benefit of placing a priority on patient wellness makes this the one thing I would change in healthcare, and with proper legislation, this could be implemented effectively to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial strain on patients."
Margarita's Feedback
You seem to have a lot of knowledge about the healthcare system, that's great! However, if your answer is too wordy, it can tire out the interviewer, and they will eventually stop reading. Try to keep your answer at 2-3 sentences max. You discussed a couple of points; 1. basis of reimbursement, 2. cost of medication, 3. decision making for procedures, 4. the effect on hospitals. Hone in on one point so you can answer the question with focus. Lastly, in the second sentence, you used the word shortcut "knw". Although this is ok for informal texting, be sure to write out all your words to keep it professional.
Show More Answers
Anonymous Answer
"While many issues are present, I believe it is necessary to shift to a system that reimburses based on outcome rather than based on the fact that a procedure was formed. While I do knw the prevalence of the issue, I do understand that sometimes people are designated for procedures or medications that are medically unnecessary. In such instances where the procedures are unnecessary, there is the risk of both physical and financial harm to patients. Regarding financial harm, the price of insurance for other patients may increase due to higher than necessary expenditures by insurance companies. Regarding prescriptions, sometimes medications that are significantly more expensive may be prescribed without having palpably higher efficacy than cheaper meds.
By switching to results-oriented reimbursement, we can deter the prescription of unnecessary procedures and medications. We will also incentivize medical decision making that puts the patient's wellness first. The primary downside for results-oriented reimbursement is that sometimes a procedure or medical decision is contested amongst professionals, and therefore determining whether the result was optimal relative to other procedures or patients can become subjective. Additionally, sometimes difficult decisions need to be made with urgency and may not allow for ideal preparations and option weighing, though the patient would still benefit from such procedures relative to no medical treatment in those instances. Additionally, hospitals could become strained if they are to receive fewer finances for procedures performed. However, the benefit of placing a priority on patient wellness makes this the one thing I would change in healthcare, and with proper legislation, this could be implemented effectively to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial strain on patients."
By switching to results-oriented reimbursement, we can deter the prescription of unnecessary procedures and medications. We will also incentivize medical decision making that puts the patient's wellness first. The primary downside for results-oriented reimbursement is that sometimes a procedure or medical decision is contested amongst professionals, and therefore determining whether the result was optimal relative to other procedures or patients can become subjective. Additionally, sometimes difficult decisions need to be made with urgency and may not allow for ideal preparations and option weighing, though the patient would still benefit from such procedures relative to no medical treatment in those instances. Additionally, hospitals could become strained if they are to receive fewer finances for procedures performed. However, the benefit of placing a priority on patient wellness makes this the one thing I would change in healthcare, and with proper legislation, this could be implemented effectively to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial strain on patients."
Margarita's Feedback
You seem to have a lot of knowledge about the healthcare system, that's great! However, if your answer is too wordy, it can tire out the interviewer, and they will eventually stop reading. Try to keep your answer at 2-3 sentences max. You discussed a couple of points; 1. basis of reimbursement, 2. cost of medication, 3. decision making for procedures, 4. the effect on hospitals. Hone in on one point so you can answer the question with focus. Lastly, in the second sentence, you used the word shortcut "knw". Although this is ok for informal texting, be sure to write out all your words to keep it professional.
Anonymous Answer
"I think if I could change one thing about the healthcare system, I would try to contribute to a change from a treatment system to a prevention-based system in regards to the United States healthcare. Healthcare spending is increasing in the US at an unsustainable rate, outpacing GDP growth. One of the reasons is the rise in chronic health conditions, which can be costly to treat. I would try to increase access to healthcare so that patients can address their health issues sooner from a more prevention standpoint rather than later from a treatment standpoint. While working in my parents' post office, I saw many Vietnamese immigrants that spoke little or no English. Although I am not fluent in Vietnamese, the amount I knew helped ease their confusion about shipping. There is a large Vietnamese immigrant community where I live, and the doctors are filled with Vietnamese patients. I want to increase my community's access to healthcare, improving the Vietnamese along the way to better communicate with Vietnamese patients. Language barriers can be a significant barrier to healthcare, and I want to alleviate that problem."
Kevin's Feedback
Prevention is a crucial factor to consider. Your response shows a lot of thought and a firm understanding of treatment approaches vs. prevention approaches. I felt a bit lost when you started to discuss your experiences at the post office. I recommend reworking the last half of your response by making a more immediate connection between language barriers and a prevention-based system.
"Chronic health conditions are on the rise, which are costly to treat. Healthcare spending is increasing in the US at an unsustainable rate, outpacing GDP growth. Therefore, I think if I could change one thing about the healthcare system, I would try to contribute to a change from a treatment system to a prevention-based system regarding the United States healthcare. I would try to increase access to healthcare so that patients can address their health issues sooner from a more prevention standpoint rather than later from a treatment standpoint.
Additionally, there is a large Vietnamese immigrant community where I live, and the doctors in my community are primarily treating Vietnamese patients. Many of these Vietnamese immigrants speak little to no English. I am far from fluent, but the little Vietnamese I can speak helped ease their confusion when dealing with aspects of our society they were trying to navigate. Language barriers can be a significant barrier to healthcare, and I want to alleviate that problem. I want to increase my community’s access to healthcare, improving the Vietnamese along the way to better communicate with Vietnamese patients."
Additionally, there is a large Vietnamese immigrant community where I live, and the doctors in my community are primarily treating Vietnamese patients. Many of these Vietnamese immigrants speak little to no English. I am far from fluent, but the little Vietnamese I can speak helped ease their confusion when dealing with aspects of our society they were trying to navigate. Language barriers can be a significant barrier to healthcare, and I want to alleviate that problem. I want to increase my community’s access to healthcare, improving the Vietnamese along the way to better communicate with Vietnamese patients."
Anonymous Answer
"I would increase access to affordable healthcare. The availability and quality of healthcare that a person receives should not be dependent on their level of income. We can find the money in our tax system to provide quality care for every citizen of the United States. PAs play an integral role in increasing healthcare access and lowering costs."
Marcie's Feedback
This is definitely a noble wish! It might be a bit more complex than just finding the money in our tax system, however. :) Consider researching the topic a bit more so you can talk about several of the ways this might one day be accomplished (e.g., expanding insurance, extending telehealth services, investing in mobile clinics, and so on.) Good job!
Anonymous Answer
"If I could change one thing about the healthcare system, it would be the accessibility and equity of medical care. There is a lot of variation in the access, quality, and outcomes of healthcare among different groups or populations such as racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic. For example, people of slower socioeconomic groups are more likely to skip an appointment, and not refill a prescription, because it’s expensive. This could then lead to a delayed diagnosis or worsening of a condition. This could eventually lead to higher mortality rates in underrepresented groups or disadvantaged groups. Growing up, my family and I witnessed this firsthand. Being undocumented caused us to not have health insurance. Accessing healthcare was too expensive so we often skipped appointments. I value that as a PA I will be able to increase access to care, especially to patients coming from underrepresented and/or rural communities, however, I would change this completely if I were able to. I would make it so that healthcare is equally accessible to all people, regardless of race, culture, or socioeconomic status."
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a great topic to discuss with the interviewer! If you can, go into more detail on the specific strategies you will use to impact this area of opportunity.