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Gary Young
This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course.
This course is the continuation of An Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System course . If you have not yet taken the introductory course, it is recommend that you complete that course prior to this course. The foundational knowledge from the introduction is carried through in this deeper dive into learning about how the U.S. Healthcare System operates.
Read more
This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course.
This course is the continuation of An Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System course . If you have not yet taken the introductory course, it is recommend that you complete that course prior to this course. The foundational knowledge from the introduction is carried through in this deeper dive into learning about how the U.S. Healthcare System operates.
Read more
This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course.
This course is the continuation of An Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System course . If you have not yet taken the introductory course, it is recommend that you complete that course prior to this course. The foundational knowledge from the introduction is carried through in this deeper dive into learning about how the U.S. Healthcare System operates.
This course provides an insight into the payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability of the American Healthcare System. Throughout this course, you will be given the opportunity to evaluate your understanding through engagement in course discussions, application of course concepts to course assignments, and through completion of content quizzes along the way.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/dh2036/understanding
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What's inside
Syllabus
Payment Architecture for Healthcare Services
In this module, we will discuss the basic mechanics of paying for volume and how it affects physician payment. Looking ahead, in the U.S., traditional payment approaches for healthcare providers, such as fee-for-service and per diem payments, are being slowly phased out due to concerns about excessive and unnecessary utilization of healthcare services contributing to rising healthcare costs. Additionally, the US healthcare system is undergoing a slow shift from paying providers for volume to paying them for value, which means they are rewarded or penalized based on their quality of care and efficiency.In this module we will explore these traditional payment arrangements as well as the new methods and developments. We will examine the benefits and drawbacks to the different methods and how they affect provider performance.
Read more
Syllabus
Payment Architecture for Healthcare Services
In this module, we will discuss the basic mechanics of paying for volume and how it affects physician payment. Looking ahead, in the U.S., traditional payment approaches for healthcare providers, such as fee-for-service and per diem payments, are being slowly phased out due to concerns about excessive and unnecessary utilization of healthcare services contributing to rising healthcare costs. Additionally, the US healthcare system is undergoing a slow shift from paying providers for volume to paying them for value, which means they are rewarded or penalized based on their quality of care and efficiency.In this module we will explore these traditional payment arrangements as well as the new methods and developments. We will examine the benefits and drawbacks to the different methods and how they affect provider performance.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines healthcare delivery and financing in the United States, a topic highly relevant to those in the industry
Taught by Gary Young, an expert in healthcare economics and policy
Develops an understanding of the U.S. healthcare system's payment architecture, cost, and value of prescription drugs, spending, and outcomes
Analyzes the diffusion of pricing and prescription medications in the U.S., a critical topic for healthcare providers and policymakers
Compares healthcare systems around the world, providing a broader perspective on healthcare delivery models
Emphasizes the social accountability of healthcare delivery, particularly for nonprofit hospitals
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Reviews summary
In-depth u.s. healthcare system analysis
According to students, this course offers a deep and current understanding of the U.S. healthcare landscape, building effectively on foundational knowledge. Learners found the content, particularly on payment architecture, prescription drug costs, and comparative global systems, to be highly insightful and relevant for professionals. The quizzes and assignments are noted for reinforcing learning and allowing concept application. While many praise the clarity in explaining complex topics, some found the material dense or dry. A minority of learners, especially those transitioning into the field, felt it required significant prior background, indicating it may not stand alone for all beginners.
Quizzes and assignments are helpful for understanding and application.
"The quizzes reinforced learning effectively."
"I found the quizzes helpful for retention."
"The assignments were practical. It truly enhances one's understanding of the complex landscape."
Instructors excel at making intricate subjects understandable.
"The instructor made complex topics like fee-for-service vs. value-based care very understandable."
"I appreciated the detailed explanations and the practical examples."
"As a healthcare administrator, I found the practical implications of value-based care clearly articulated."
Best suited for those already in or transitioning to healthcare.
"Highly recommend for anyone in or entering healthcare management."
"A valuable resource, especially for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge."
"I'd say it's essential for healthcare professionals."
Provides a deep, current, and highly relevant understanding.
"This course was incredibly insightful and provided a truly deep dive into the intricacies of US healthcare payment systems."
"The content on prescription drug costs and regulation was incredibly relevant to my work."
"It provided an invaluable framework for understanding the nuances of healthcare financing and policy."
"I found the module on comparative healthcare systems very interesting and well-presented."
Some found delivery dry or wished for more interactive elements.
"The course covers important topics but I felt it was a bit too dry at times."
"I also wished there was more interaction or live sessions."
"Some discussions felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked more case studies for application."
Builds on an introductory course; not always standalone.
"For those new to the field, I definitely recommend taking the introductory course first."
"It felt like it was designed for people already deeply entrenched in the industry, making it hard for me... to follow."
"I took the introductory course, but still felt a gap."
"Parts of it felt like a review rather than a deeper dive as advertised."
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 Understanding the U.S. Healthcare Landscape with these
activities:
Review Key Concepts from Previous Healthcare Courses
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in healthcare concepts to enhance understanding of advanced topics.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
-
Review notes and materials from previous healthcare courses.
-
Focus on core concepts such as anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Review 'Healthcare Finance and Economics' by Sloan and Smith
Show steps
Review key concepts of healthcare finance and economics to strengthen foundational understanding.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-4 of the book.
-
Summarize the main points of each chapter.
-
Create a mind map connecting the key concepts.
Revisit health insurance basics
Show steps
Refresh your memory on insurance concepts to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Insurance Coverage
Show steps
-
Review terminology and definitions related to health insurance.
-
Explore different types of health insurance plans.
-
Understand the role of deductibles, co-pays, and premiums.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in Online Discussions with Peers
Show steps
Connect with fellow healthcare professionals and share insights and experiences.
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
-
Join online discussion forums or groups related to the course.
-
Participate in ongoing discussions and ask questions to enhance understanding.
Explore Online Modules on Healthcare Payment Architecture
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of payment mechanisms and their impact on healthcare delivery.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable websites or online platforms offering tutorials on healthcare payment architecture.
-
Watch videos or read materials on fee-for-service, capitation, and bundled payments.
Conduct a Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Systems
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of global healthcare approaches and identify potential improvements for the U.S. system.
Show steps
-
Select 2-3 countries to compare, focusing on their healthcare delivery models and financing structures.
-
Gather data on key healthcare indicators (e.g., cost, access, quality).
-
Analyze the data to identify similarities, differences, and areas for improvement.
-
Present findings in a written report or infographic.
Prepare a Presentation on Social Accountability in Healthcare
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders' roles and responsibilities in healthcare delivery.
Show steps
-
Research the concept of social accountability and its application in healthcare.
-
Identify the key stakeholder groups in the healthcare system.
-
Prepare a presentation outlining the roles, responsibilities, and communication strategies for effective stakeholder engagement.
Develop an Infographic on Nonprofit Hospital Tax Exemptions
Show steps
Convey the complexities of nonprofit hospital tax exemptions and their impact on healthcare delivery.
Show steps
-
Gather data on tax exemptions and community benefits provided by nonprofit hospitals.
-
Create a visual representation of the findings, highlighting key statistics and trends.
-
Share your infographic with relevant stakeholders.
Review Key Concepts from Previous Healthcare Courses
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in healthcare concepts to enhance understanding of advanced topics.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes and materials from previous healthcare courses.
- Focus on core concepts such as anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Review 'Healthcare Finance and Economics' by Sloan and Smith
Show steps
Review key concepts of healthcare finance and economics to strengthen foundational understanding.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-4 of the book.
- Summarize the main points of each chapter.
- Create a mind map connecting the key concepts.
Revisit health insurance basics
Show steps
Refresh your memory on insurance concepts to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Insurance Coverage
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review terminology and definitions related to health insurance.
- Explore different types of health insurance plans.
- Understand the role of deductibles, co-pays, and premiums.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in Online Discussions with Peers
Show steps
Connect with fellow healthcare professionals and share insights and experiences.
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join online discussion forums or groups related to the course.
- Participate in ongoing discussions and ask questions to enhance understanding.
Explore Online Modules on Healthcare Payment Architecture
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of payment mechanisms and their impact on healthcare delivery.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable websites or online platforms offering tutorials on healthcare payment architecture.
- Watch videos or read materials on fee-for-service, capitation, and bundled payments.
Conduct a Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Systems
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of global healthcare approaches and identify potential improvements for the U.S. system.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select 2-3 countries to compare, focusing on their healthcare delivery models and financing structures.
- Gather data on key healthcare indicators (e.g., cost, access, quality).
- Analyze the data to identify similarities, differences, and areas for improvement.
- Present findings in a written report or infographic.
Prepare a Presentation on Social Accountability in Healthcare
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders' roles and responsibilities in healthcare delivery.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the concept of social accountability and its application in healthcare.
- Identify the key stakeholder groups in the healthcare system.
- Prepare a presentation outlining the roles, responsibilities, and communication strategies for effective stakeholder engagement.
Develop an Infographic on Nonprofit Hospital Tax Exemptions
Show steps
Convey the complexities of nonprofit hospital tax exemptions and their impact on healthcare delivery.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather data on tax exemptions and community benefits provided by nonprofit hospitals.
- Create a visual representation of the findings, highlighting key statistics and trends.
- Share your infographic with relevant stakeholders.
Career center
Learners who complete Understanding the U.S. Healthcare Landscape will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Quality Improvement Specialist
Quality Improvement Specialist
A Quality Improvement Specialist plans, implements, and evaluates quality improvement programs in healthcare settings. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to plan, implement, and evaluate quality improvement programs in healthcare settings.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides advice on their use. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to dispense medications and provide advice on their use.
Hospital Administrator
Hospital Administrator
A Hospital Administrator plans, directs, and coordinates the operations of a hospital or other healthcare facility. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of a hospital or other healthcare facility.
Physician
Physician
A Physician provides medical care to patients. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to provide medical care to patients.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst researches and analyzes healthcare policies, and develops recommendations for changes to healthcare policy. This course would help someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to make recommendations for changes to healthcare policy.
Medical Writer
Medical Writer
A Medical Writer writes and edits medical and scientific content, such as journal articles, patient education materials, and marketing materials. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to write and edit medical and scientific content.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies, and develops recommendations for changes to public policy. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to research and analyze public policies, and develop recommendations for changes to public policy.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
A Public Health Educator develops and implements educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
A Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensures that a company's products and services comply with government regulations. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to ensure that a company's products and services comply with government regulations.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
A Healthcare Consultant provides advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of issues, including strategy, operations, and finance. This course would be helpful for someone in this role by providing them with a broad understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, outcomes, and social accountability. This understanding would be essential for someone who wants to provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst designs and implements computer systems. This course may be useful for someone in this role by providing them with a basic understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, and outcomes. This understanding would be helpful for someone who wants to design and implement computer systems.
Research Analyst
Research Analyst
A Research Analyst conducts research and analyzes data to provide insights and recommendations to clients. This course may be useful for someone in this role by providing them with a basic understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, and outcomes. This understanding would be helpful for someone who wants to conduct research and analyze data to provide insights and recommendations to clients.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance Underwriter
An Insurance Underwriter assesses and evaluates risk in order to determine whether to issue an insurance policy. This course may be useful for someone in this role by providing them with a basic understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, and outcomes. This understanding would be helpful for someone who wants to assess and evaluate risk in order to determine whether to issue an insurance policy.
Social Worker
Social Worker
A Social Worker provides social services to individuals, families, and communities. This course may be useful for someone in this role by providing them with a basic understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, and outcomes. This understanding would be helpful for someone who wants to provide social services to individuals, families, and communities.
Statistician
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data. This course may be useful for someone in this role by providing them with a basic understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its payment architecture, cost and value of prescription drugs, spending, and outcomes. This understanding would be helpful for someone who wants to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dh2036/understanding
Reading list
We've selected six 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
Understanding the U.S. Healthcare Landscape.
Provides a framework for understanding value-based healthcare and offers strategies for implementing value-based initiatives. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals and policymakers who are interested in improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare.
Save
Provides an overview of the social determinants of health and explores the relationship between social factors and health outcomes. It valuable resource for understanding the role of social factors in shaping health and well-being.
Provides a comparative analysis of healthcare systems around the world and explores the different approaches to healthcare financing and delivery. It valuable resource for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different healthcare systems.
Save
Provides a critical analysis of the U.S. healthcare system and offers a vision for a more equitable and sustainable system. It valuable resource for understanding the challenges facing the healthcare system and for developing solutions to improve the system.
Provides a practical guide to value-based payments in healthcare. It valuable resource for healthcare providers who are interested in implementing value-based initiatives.
Provides a guide to the U.S. healthcare system for consumers. It valuable resource for individuals who are interested in understanding their health insurance options and making informed decisions about their healthcare.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dh2036/understanding
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