Essentials of the U.S. Health Care System by Leiyu Shi, Douglas A. Singh

From the Publisher

Written by the authors of the widely used textbook Delivering Health Care in America: A Systems Approach, this engaging new book gives students the most accessible and concise introduction to US health care available. Essentials of the US Health Care System utilizes a unique "systems" approach that clarifies the complexities of health care organization and finance and presents a solid overview of how the various components fit together. This condensed and simplified version covers basic structures and operations of the US health system - from its historical origins and resources, to its individual services, cost, and quality.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Carole A. Kenner, RNC, DNS, FAAN (University of Oklahoma College of Nursing)
Description:This abbreviated version of the authors' standardized text on healthcare delivery in the U.S. Delivering Health Care in America: A Systems Approach, 4th edition (Jones and Bartlett, 2008) covers the basics of the U.S. system to outcomes and health policy implications.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide a basic understanding of the U.S. healthcare delivery system.
Audience:The audience is junior college students taking a basic course in U.S. healthcare and other undergraduate or graduate students who need supplemental material for an advanced course in health policy.
Features:The book starts with a brief overview of the U.S. healthcare delivery system and comparisons with other countries such as Canada, the U.K., and Germany. The central chapters focus on the transdisciplinary providers, the impact of technology, financial considerations including reimbursement issues, differences between primary, chronic, community, and acute care needs. The next set of chapters explores the evolution of managed care and integrated health systems. Two chapters address vulnerable populations — those in long term care and those who are considered underserved. The book ends with the growing issues of today — cost, access, quality, policy implications, and the future as projected by the new Obama administration. The topics are old, but the book helps students to visually see the information with the many exhibits such as health indicators and examples of cost-saving technology. Since many readers may not be healthprofessionals, these exhibits enhance understanding.
Assessment:There are many books on healthcare delivery systems, but this is the only one that condenses the material in an understandable manner. This second edition has added up-to-date information on the VA system, Centers for Medicare Medicaid Systems, state children's health insurance, the movement to corporate health models, and technology including the electronic medical record and use of telemedicine. Health care reform is presented within the context of the Obama administration's campaign for reform — a good rationale for a new edition.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents