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Gary Young
This is the first part of a two part course on the U.S Healthcare System. This course will offer you an opportunity to examine concepts and topics related to understanding how the healthcare ecosystem works in the United States.
During this course, you will have an opportunity to explore concepts and topics related to funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures of the American healthcare system. You will be given the opportunity to study the opportunities and challenges presented in improving the cost, quality, and accessibility of healthcare and expanding adequate coverage to all.
Read more
This is the first part of a two part course on the U.S Healthcare System. This course will offer you an opportunity to examine concepts and topics related to understanding how the healthcare ecosystem works in the United States.
During this course, you will have an opportunity to explore concepts and topics related to funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures of the American healthcare system. You will be given the opportunity to study the opportunities and challenges presented in improving the cost, quality, and accessibility of healthcare and expanding adequate coverage to all.
Read more
This is the first part of a two part course on the U.S Healthcare System. This course will offer you an opportunity to examine concepts and topics related to understanding how the healthcare ecosystem works in the United States.
During this course, you will have an opportunity to explore concepts and topics related to funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures of the American healthcare system. You will be given the opportunity to study the opportunities and challenges presented in improving the cost, quality, and accessibility of healthcare and expanding adequate coverage to all.
Throughout this course, you will be asked to look at healthcare through a global lens, comparing different healthcare models for countries world wide and to consider the complexities and challenges countries face when creating healthcare delivery models. You will demonstrate an understanding of the American healthcare system through completing a series of assignments that encourage you to reflect on course concepts, your personal experiences, current events, and discussions with your colleagues in this course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/65gy58/an
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Syllabus
Healthcare Delivery: Financing & Spending
In this module, we explore the staggering amount of money that the U.S. spends on healthcare, currently over 4 trillion dollars annually, and how it has grown over the past 50 years. We will delve into where the money goes within the healthcare organization, and discuss the increasing importance of prescription medications in healthcare spending and debate the advantages and disadvantages of having a mixed structure of public and private funding. Over the last 50 years, healthcare spending in the U.S. has increased rapidly to almost $13,000 per person annually, with several factors driving this rise including demographics, advances in medical technology, and price inflation. Provider consolidation has been identified as a major source of concern contributing to higher prices, and there is much variation in prices across and within geographic regions of the country. We will explore the financing and spending in healthcare in greater detail throughout this module.
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Syllabus
Healthcare Delivery: Financing & Spending
In this module, we explore the staggering amount of money that the U.S. spends on healthcare, currently over 4 trillion dollars annually, and how it has grown over the past 50 years. We will delve into where the money goes within the healthcare organization, and discuss the increasing importance of prescription medications in healthcare spending and debate the advantages and disadvantages of having a mixed structure of public and private funding. Over the last 50 years, healthcare spending in the U.S. has increased rapidly to almost $13,000 per person annually, with several factors driving this rise including demographics, advances in medical technology, and price inflation. Provider consolidation has been identified as a major source of concern contributing to higher prices, and there is much variation in prices across and within geographic regions of the country. We will explore the financing and spending in healthcare in greater detail throughout this module.
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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the U.S. Healthcare System, providing a deep dive into its complexities and challenges
Taught by Gary Young, an expert in healthcare financing and economics
Examines the global healthcare landscape, allowing for comparisons and insights into different models
Emphasizes the importance of understanding healthcare through a global lens
Requires active participation through assignments and discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of course concepts
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive u.s. healthcare system overview
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and clear overview of the U.S. healthcare system, particularly its financing, delivery models, and current trends. Students consistently highlight its strength in offering foundational knowledge and encouraging critical thinking through a global lens. The engaging assignments and opportunity for reflection and discussion are often cited as positive aspects. While largely positive, some seasoned professionals might find certain sections to be a refresher, but generally, the course is praised for its relevance to current events and its ability to dissect a complex subject into understandable modules.
Suitable for many, though some seek more advanced content.
"As someone already in healthcare, some parts felt like a refresher, but the consolidated view was still valuable."
"While comprehensive, a few topics could benefit from deeper dives for those with prior knowledge."
"I think this course is perfect for anyone new to healthcare administration or policy."
"For absolute beginners, some concepts might require additional external reading to fully grasp."
Interactive assignments enhance learning and understanding.
"The bite-sized modules made it easy to consume the information without feeling overwhelmed."
"Engaging assignments helped solidify my understanding of the material through practical application."
"The discussions with colleagues were a highlight, offering diverse viewpoints and enriching the learning experience."
"I found the reflection-based assignments particularly effective in connecting theory to personal insight."
Promotes deeper analysis through global comparisons and reflection.
"Comparing US healthcare to other models globally really broadened my perspective on systemic issues."
"The assignments asking for reflection on personal experiences made the learning much deeper and more meaningful."
"It truly encouraged critical thinking about systemic challenges and potential solutions in healthcare."
"I enjoyed the emphasis on a global lens to analyze the complexities of different healthcare delivery models."
Timely discussions on evolving healthcare trends and challenges.
"Understanding the consolidation trends was directly relevant to my work in healthcare administration."
"The discussions about emerging models are timely and insightful, reflecting current market changes."
"This course gives me the tools to understand current healthcare debates and policy changes."
"I appreciated how the course connected theoretical concepts to real-world challenges in healthcare."
Delivers an accessible and thorough foundational understanding.
"The course provides a fantastic overview of the U.S. healthcare system's complexities."
"I found the explanations of financing and spending remarkably clear for such a complex topic."
"It really helped me piece together how different parts of the system interact, which was invaluable."
"This is an excellent course for understanding the foundational elements of American healthcare delivery."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in An Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System with these
activities:
Organize Course Notes and Resources
Show steps
Organize your course notes, assignments, quizzes, and other learning materials to facilitate effective review and retention of course concepts.
Show steps
-
Create a dedicated study space or folder for all course materials.
-
Review and summarize key concepts from each lecture or module.
-
Organize notes and resources by topic or theme.
-
Utilize color-coding, highlighting, or digital note-taking tools to enhance visual appeal and organization.
Review Health Policy and Regulation
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of health policy and regulation to gain a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks governing the US healthcare system.
Browse courses on
Health Policy
Show steps
-
Review course materials and textbooks on health policy and regulation.
-
Read recent articles and news reports on healthcare policy debates and developments.
-
Attend a webinar or online lecture on a specific aspect of health policy or regulation.
Calculate Healthcare Spending and Costs
Show steps
Practice calculating healthcare spending and costs to solidify your understanding of the complex funding and payment structures in the US healthcare system.
Show steps
-
Gather data on healthcare spending and costs from reputable sources.
-
Use formulas and methodologies to calculate per capita spending, healthcare utilization rates, and other key metrics.
-
Analyze the data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
-
Write a short report summarizing your findings and insights.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Discuss Role of Healthcare Professionals
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to explore the evolving roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, including their contributions to patient care and population health management.
Browse courses on
Healthcare Professionals
Show steps
-
Research different healthcare professions and their functions.
-
Participate in online forums or group discussions with peers.
-
Share insights and perspectives on how healthcare professionals contribute to healthcare delivery.
-
Discuss challenges and opportunities in the healthcare workforce.
Explore Innovative Delivery Models
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials and case studies to delve deeper into innovative healthcare delivery models, examining their potential benefits, challenges, and implications for the future of healthcare.
Browse courses on
Healthcare Innovation
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering guided tutorials on innovative healthcare delivery models.
-
Choose a specific delivery model to focus on, such as telemedicine, retail clinics, or value-based care.
-
Complete the guided tutorial, taking detailed notes and capturing key insights.
-
Write a short summary or reflection on what you learned and how it relates to the course concepts.
Organize Course Notes and Resources
Show steps
Organize your course notes, assignments, quizzes, and other learning materials to facilitate effective review and retention of course concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a dedicated study space or folder for all course materials.
- Review and summarize key concepts from each lecture or module.
- Organize notes and resources by topic or theme.
- Utilize color-coding, highlighting, or digital note-taking tools to enhance visual appeal and organization.
Review Health Policy and Regulation
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of health policy and regulation to gain a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks governing the US healthcare system.
Browse courses on
Health Policy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review course materials and textbooks on health policy and regulation.
- Read recent articles and news reports on healthcare policy debates and developments.
- Attend a webinar or online lecture on a specific aspect of health policy or regulation.
Calculate Healthcare Spending and Costs
Show steps
Practice calculating healthcare spending and costs to solidify your understanding of the complex funding and payment structures in the US healthcare system.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather data on healthcare spending and costs from reputable sources.
- Use formulas and methodologies to calculate per capita spending, healthcare utilization rates, and other key metrics.
- Analyze the data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
- Write a short report summarizing your findings and insights.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Discuss Role of Healthcare Professionals
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to explore the evolving roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, including their contributions to patient care and population health management.
Browse courses on
Healthcare Professionals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different healthcare professions and their functions.
- Participate in online forums or group discussions with peers.
- Share insights and perspectives on how healthcare professionals contribute to healthcare delivery.
- Discuss challenges and opportunities in the healthcare workforce.
Explore Innovative Delivery Models
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials and case studies to delve deeper into innovative healthcare delivery models, examining their potential benefits, challenges, and implications for the future of healthcare.
Browse courses on
Healthcare Innovation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering guided tutorials on innovative healthcare delivery models.
- Choose a specific delivery model to focus on, such as telemedicine, retail clinics, or value-based care.
- Complete the guided tutorial, taking detailed notes and capturing key insights.
- Write a short summary or reflection on what you learned and how it relates to the course concepts.
Career center
Learners who complete An Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Manager
Healthcare Manager
A Healthcare Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Managers make informed decisions that improve the quality of care for patients.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
A Healthcare Administrator plans, organizes, and manages healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Administrators make informed decisions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations.
Healthcare Executive
Healthcare Executive
A Healthcare Executive provides leadership and strategic direction to healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Executives make informed decisions that improve the health of the population.
Nurse
Nurse
A Nurse provides care to patients under the supervision of a Physician. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Nurses understand the context in which they practice nursing and make informed decisions that improve the health of their patients.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist dispenses medications to patients and provides information about their use. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Pharmacists understand the context in which they practice pharmacy and make informed decisions that improve the health of their patients.
Healthcare Educator
Healthcare Educator
A Healthcare Educator teaches students about healthcare. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Educators prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Researcher
Healthcare Researcher
A Healthcare Researcher conducts research to improve the quality of healthcare. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Researchers design and conduct studies that improve the health of the population.
Public Health Administrator
Public Health Administrator
A Public Health Administrator plans, implements, and evaluates public health programs. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Public Health Administrators make informed decisions that improve the health of the population.
Health Insurance Agent
Health Insurance Agent
A Health Insurance Agent sells health insurance policies to individuals and businesses. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Health Insurance Agents provide informed advice to their clients.
Healthcare Lobbyist
Healthcare Lobbyist
A Healthcare Lobbyist represents the interests of healthcare organizations before government agencies. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Lobbyists make informed decisions that improve the health of the population.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
A Healthcare Consultant analyzes and solves problems related to healthcare delivery, policy, and management. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, particularly its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Consultants make informed recommendations that improve the cost, quality, and accessibility of healthcare.
Healthcare Writer
Healthcare Writer
A Healthcare Writer writes about healthcare topics for a variety of audiences. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Healthcare Writers produce accurate and informative content about healthcare.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops policies that affect healthcare. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system and its challenges. This knowledge can help Health Policy Analysts make informed decisions that improve the health of the population.
Physician
Physician
A Physician provides medical care to patients. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its funding, payment, service delivery, and outcome structures. This knowledge can help Physicians understand the context in which they practice medicine and make informed decisions that improve the health of their patients.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/65gy58/an
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
An Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of health economics, with contributions from leading experts. It valuable reference tool for those seeking a deeper understanding of the economic forces shaping healthcare.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of health economics and policy, with a focus on the US healthcare system. It valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the economic forces shaping healthcare.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of health and healthcare, with a focus on the US healthcare system. It is commonly used as a textbook by academic institutions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health, including the major health challenges facing the world and the strategies used to address them. Useful for learners interested in understanding the global context of healthcare.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including its financing, delivery, and regulation. Explores the challenges and opportunities facing the system.
Analyzes the political and policy debates surrounding the U.S. healthcare system. Explores the role of government, interest groups, and public opinion in shaping healthcare policy.
Presents an in-depth examination of health policy in the United States, with a focus on the clinical implications of policy decisions. It valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of policy.
Provides a comparative analysis of health systems around the world, with a focus on the lessons that can be learned for the US healthcare system. It valuable resource for those interested in understanding the different approaches to healthcare delivery.
Save
Examines the competitive dynamics of the U.S. healthcare industry, focusing on the role of insurers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. Useful for understanding the business side of healthcare.
Examines the role of consumers in the U.S. healthcare system. Explores how consumers can make informed decisions about their healthcare and how to navigate the complex healthcare landscape.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/65gy58/an
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