Delivering Health Care in America: A Systems Approach

Delivering Health Care in America, Seventh Edition is the most current and 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 a unique "systems" approach, the text brings together an extraordinary breadth of information into a highly accessible, easy-to-read resource that clarifies the complexities of health care organization and finance while presenting a solid overview of how the various components fit together. With updated data and figures throughout, the new seventh edition is a thorough revision that highlights many new trends in health care; examines current challenges in cost, access, and quality; and explores the legacy of Obamacare and the future of health care reform in view of the new presidency. The Seventh Edition covers: - New trends in health care - Chronic conditions in the U.S. along with updated information on global pandemics and infectious diseases - Healthy People 2020 goals - Implications of healthcare professional shortage and the major issues in healthcare workforce after the ACA - New regulations for medical devices and the impact medical technology and technology assessment. - Current information on health insurance - New assessments of patient-centered medical homes in primary care; primary care providers in other countries; and current developments in alternative medicine - Updates on hospital utilization and costs. - Experiences with CO-OPs and ACOs under Obamacare. - Perspectives on community-based LTC. Trends in institutional care. - The uninsured after the ACA; the current status of the homeless; the plight of mental health and healthcare; the quality of care indicators - Current challenges in health care cost, access, and quality; pay-for-performance in healthcare - The critical policy issues; future health policy issues/challenges in both US and abroad