There are five million allied health care providers in the United States who work in more than 80 different professions. These providers, as defined by the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professionals (ASAHP), are made of professionals that “deliver services involving the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; and rehabilitation and health systems management.” They account for nearly 60% of the entire healthcare workforce and include everyone from physical and occupational therapists to speech and language pathologists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, audiologist, phlebotomists, medical assistants and so many more.
In addition, the allied health care workforce is set to continue to grow along with all health care fields, which is projected to reach more than 21.8 million by 2020 with more than half in an allied health field, according to Rush University. This rapid growth in all allied health fields is directly related to an increased emphasis on healthy living, as well as an aging population that isn’t quite as healthy as previous generations. Obesity, heart conditions, and longer lifespans are resulting in the need for more care – particularly for the elderly. Rapidly evolving technology with innovative diagnostic and treatment options has also enabled a greater shift towards personalized home-based care and outpatient care, creating a need for more medical practices and workers. Furthermore, there is growing number of healthcare jobs that require bachelor’s and graduate degrees – which theoretically results in higher pay and higher demand.
Some allied health care providers work collaboratively with other providers, including physicians, nurses, dentists and pharmacists. They may play roles in evaluating and assessing a patient’s needs, keeping the physician and others informed of the patient’s progress and caring for the patient. Others work independently as specialists in exercise, nutrition, health education, and speech and daily function.
The following providers fall under the umbrella of allied health care:
- Ambulatory surgery center
- Athletic training
- Audiology
- Cancer treatment center
- Cardiovascular perfusion technology
- Dental hygiene
- Diagnostic medical sonography
- Dialysis centers
- Dietetics
- Emergency medical sciences
- Health administration
- Health information management
- Home health
- Hospice
- Imaging centers
- Medical technology
- Non-emergency transport
- Nuclear medicine technology
- Occupational therapy
- Pharmacies
- Physical therapy
- Physician assistant
- Radiation therapy technology
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Respiratory therapy
- Respiratory therapy technology
- Speech-language pathology
- Staffing/nurse registries
- Urgicenter
Top risks for allied health care facilities include malpractice (professional liability) claims, cyber threats, incidental injuries (general liability) to client/patients, and employee injuries (workers compensation).
Manchester Specialty Programs offers total insurance solutions for a number classes of businesses that fall under allied health care, including home health care, hospice, miscellaneous medical facilities and others. Our solutions include General Liability, Professional Liability, Cyber Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Directors & Officers Liability, Non-Owned & Hired Auto and Worker’s Compensation insurance. We are ready to assist you in addressing the wide range of risks this growing sector faces. For more information about how we can help you protect your insureds, please contact us at 855.972.9399.