Delivering Health Care in America: A Systems Approach, Third Edition (Delivering Health Care in America: A System Approach)

This undergraduate textbook outlines the components of the U.S. health care delivery system, its historical origins, the outpatient and primary care services, inpatient care facilities, and the factors behind escalating costs. The third edition reflects recent data and research findings, and address In a clear, cohesive format, Delivering Health Care in America provides a comprehensive overview of the basic structures and operations of the U.S. health system-from its historical origins and resources to its individual services, cost, and quality. Using the unique "systems" approach, it brings together an extraordinary breadth of information into a highly accessible, easy-to-read text that clarifies the complexities of healthcare organization and finance, while presenting a solid overview of how the various components fit together.

The Fourth Edition has been thoroughly updated with the most current information on trends and issues in health care, including: Mandates of recent legislation such as the Medicare Prescription Drug Act and the Deficit Reduction Act, The global threat of avian influenza, Health policy agenda of the Bush administration, Progress toward Healthy People 2010 goals, The effects of corporatization, information revolution, and globalization on healthcare delivery, Pay-for-performance initiatives, Updated information on health services for special populations, State Children's Health Insurance Plan reauthorization issues, The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Insurance restructuring in Massachusetts, Challenges in long-term care and trends in home healthcare services, The era of evidence-based medicine.

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

This book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the basic structures and operations of one of the largest sectors of the U.S. economy. With the most current data, legislation, and overall system changes addressed, the third edition covers the conceptual basis for the system, its historical origins, the structures of ambulatory care, inpatient care, and other important services structures, the translation of these structures into health services themselves, and the manifestations of their impact on costs and quality. The text includes learning objectives, review questions, and key terminology. Ch. 1. A distinctive system of health care delivery Ch. 2. Beliefs, values, and health Ch. 3. The evolution of health services in the United States Ch. 4. Health services professionals Ch. 5. Medical technology Ch. 6. Health services financing Ch. 7. Outpatient and primary care services Ch. 8. Inpatient facilities and services Ch. 9. Managed care and integrated organizations Ch. 10. Long-term care Ch. 11. Health services for special populations Ch. 12. Cost, access, and quality Ch. 13. Health policy Ch. 14. The future of health services delivery.