Kenneth L. Johnson - Healthcare in the United States: Clinical, Financial, and Operational Dimensions

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The statements and opinions contained in this book are strictly those of the authors and do not represent the official positions of the American College of Healthcare Executives or the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Copyright 2021 by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Walston, Stephen Lee, author. | Johnson, Kenneth L., 1957 author. | Association of University Programs in Health Administration, issuing body.

Title: Healthcare in the United States : clinical, financial, and operational dimensions / Stephen L. Walston, Kenneth L. Johnson.

Other titles: Gateway to healthcare management.

Description: Chicago, Illinois : Health Administration Press ; Washington, DC : Association of University Programs in Health Administration, [2021] | Series: Gateway to healthcare management | Includes bibliographical references and index. | Summary: This book offers an introductory overview of the American healthcare system by exploring its many organizations, populations, professions, finance structures, and delivery models, as well as their impact. The authors delve into the many conflicting issues related to cost, access, and quality Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020032834 (print) | LCCN 2020032835 (ebook) | ISBN 9781640551459 (paperback ; alk. paper) | ISBN 9781640551497 (epub) | ISBN 9781640551480 (mobi)

Subjects: MESH: Delivery of Health Care | Health Services Administration | Health Care Sectoreconomics | Health Care Sectororganization & administration | Health Policy | United States

Classification: LCC RA971.3 (print) | LCC RA971.3 (ebook) | NLM W 84 AA1 | DDC 362.1068/1dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020032834

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020032835

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984.

Acquisitions editor: Janet Davis; Manuscript editor: Deborah Ring; Project manager: Andrew Baumann; Cover designer: James Slate; Layout: Integra

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T he United States does not have a single system of healthcare but rather many overlapping systems. This textbook will examine and elaborate on these components, trace their development, and assess their impact on the people of the United States. The book will also address the many challenges and conflicted assumptions that undergird the way healthcare in the United States operates.

explores the history of US healthcare and the challenges of balancing cost, access, and quality. It also discusses trends associated with aging and diversity throughout the US population, variances in costs and outcomes from one part of the country to another, the importance of lifestyle factors, and the impact of emerging diseases and health threats.

provides an overview of the healthcare professions and occupations. It includes information about the education and training required for various roles, median salaries, and likely future demand.

describes acute care organizations, including hospitals, in the United States. It looks at their leadership structure and importance to healthcare.

explores the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, which account for a significant portion of US healthcare costs. These industries are global in scope and present a number of challenges associated with costs and sustainability.

focuses on long-term care. It presents the background and history of long-term care services in the United States, along with the organization and function of long-term care today and the challenges for long-term care in the future.

seeks to foster a greater understanding of the countrys mental health care industry. Readers will learn of the serious mental health challenges facing Americans, along with the history of mental health services and the various categories of providers.

examines the role of the US government in healthcare, health insurance, and the licensure of health professionals. It also provides an overview of the major agencies that regulate healthcare.

presents basic economic principles and concepts as they apply to healthcare. It discusses topics such as diminishing returns, opportunity costs, adverse selection, and the impact of preexisting conditions on insurance costs.

delves into health insurance and its various options and components. It emphasizes the importance of risk and the use of risk pools, along with impact of deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. The chapter concludes with a look at future options for health insurance in the United States.

is devoted to the issue of quality in US healthcare. It defines quality, discusses safety concerns and medical errors, and reviews concepts of quality improvement as they apply to healthcare.

focuses on the uses and implications of information technology in healthcare. The chapter discusses electronic medical records, cloud computing, and issues of privacy and security. It then reflects on the future impact of information technology in the field.