To complete this exam, I used information from my textbooks, class notes, and outside research. In completing this exam I learned that there are multiple ways in which to answer a question and in order to best convey my thought process, it is imperative that I answer each question in a thorough yet organized manner. Being given several choices of questions to answer proved an effective means of examination as it allowed me to choose the questions I felt most comfortable answering as well as develop a greater knowledge base regarding those issues addressed in my responses. For this exam, I chose to answer the questions relating to modes of physician reimbursement, Emergency Medical Conditions and Women in Labor Act (EMTALA) and patient dumping, and community versus experience ratings as used by insurance companies. For each question, I was to define terms associated with the concepts, present factual information from the text or other pertinent resources, and offer my opinion regarding effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, or possible changes needed within the systems involved in each topic area. As this was the first exam for this class, I also learned that while it is important to report the facts while answering a question, it is just as important to report the implications of those facts and to come to some conclusion at the end of the response in order to convey my opinion on the subject at hand.
For this exam, I received 90 out of a possible 100 points. I received feedback regarding the lack of conclusions drawn for two out of three questions. Receiving this feedback better prepared me for the final exam in which I made sure to include implications and conclusions within my responses. I also received feedback on the second question regarding the way in which I chose to answer, that is, the formatting of my answer. Because the question was broad and could have been interpreted in a number of ways, I chose to answer the question in an outline form in which I would cover the basics while verifying my knowledge of the subject. Receiving positive feedback for doing so encouraged me to continue being creative in my efforts to accurately and concisely respond to questions such as number two on this exam.
Completing this assignment as well as the course itself allowed me to examine in more depth the issues of policy and law as they relate to health and nutrition. As a result, I have a basic knowledge and understanding of the ways in which health policy and law affect my future profession and the institutions in which I may one day work. Having a better understanding of these ideas will allow me to become a more effective advocate for my profession on a personal as well as political level. As a professional, there will be many opportunities through the American Dietetic Association to become involved in policy issues such as contacting legislators, lobbying, or working with other professionals advocating or fighting a particular issue. As a result of this assignment and class as a whole, I gained a deeper interest in examining and understanding health policy and law. This assignment allowed me the opportunity to delve further into issues that not only interest me, but also affect me and those working in healthcare. Therefore, I have taken on the responsibility to continue educating myself in these matters and will continue to do so as a professional.