2021 and beyond: Examining the future of healthcare amid COVID-19

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding the intersection of COVID-19, healthcare access, disparities, and documentation helps readers assess operational and reporting implications for hospitals and health systems. The article is useful for professionals tracking how social determinants of health are discussed in coding and quality contexts.

Article Sections

1. The U.S. healthcare system

   Discusses healthcare access, spending, insurance coverage pathways, and broad system-level pressures affecting patients and providers during the pandemic era.

2. Health disparities

   Reviews the concept of disparities in health outcomes and the social and demographic factors associated with them.

3. COVID-19 impact on healthcare facilities

   Covers hospital financial strain, federal relief efforts, and uncertainty affecting healthcare facilities during the pandemic.

4. Documentation and coding

   Addresses the role of CDI and inpatient coding in documenting social determinants of health and related reporting considerations.

5. Conclusion

   Summarizes the article’s perspective on ongoing access, disparity, and spending challenges tied to the pandemic.