Basics of the U.S. Health Care System

Basics of the U.S. Health Care System, Fourth Edition provides a broad, fundamental introduction to the workings of the U.S. healthcare industry. Engaging and activities-oriented, the text offers an accessible overview of the major concepts of healthcare operations, the role of government, public and private financing, as well as ethical and legal issues.

Each chapter features review exercises and internet resources that make studying this complex industry both enjoyable and stimulating. Students of various disciplines―including healthcare administration, business, nursing, public health, and others―will discover a practical guide that prepares them for professional opportunities in this rapidly growing sector.

Thoroughly updated, the Fourth Edition now includes:

- Updated data throughout, including four new Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data dashboards on risk factors of health.
- New material on the social determinants of health and prevention activities including quaternary prevention, organizational risk factors for workplace violence, dealing with active shooter situations, social media marketing, and more.
- New chapter (6) on Long-term Care Services.
- Expanded chapter (8) on health care finance that integrates Affordable Care Act and features a new discussion of chronic disease prevention and improving public health and transparency as it relates to healthcare expenditures.
- New discussion of innovations in health care technology including mobile health, HIEs and RHIOS, Blockchain technology, and IBM Watson; and an expanded section on telemedicine.
- In depth analysis of ACA legal issues and new discussion on cultural competency.
- Access to Navigate 2 online learning materials, which include a comprehensive and interactive eBook, student practice activities and assessments, learning analytics reporting tools, and more.