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Introduction to Healthcare

Nigam Shah, Mildred Cho, and Laurence Baker

Solving the problems and challenges within the U.S. healthcare system requires a deep understanding of how the system works. Successful solutions and strategies must take into account the realities of the current system.

This course explores the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system. It will introduce the principal institutions and participants in healthcare systems, explain what they do, and discuss the interactions between them. The course will cover physician practices, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and insurance and financing arrangements.

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Solving the problems and challenges within the U.S. healthcare system requires a deep understanding of how the system works. Successful solutions and strategies must take into account the realities of the current system.

This course explores the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system. It will introduce the principal institutions and participants in healthcare systems, explain what they do, and discuss the interactions between them. The course will cover physician practices, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and insurance and financing arrangements.

We will also discuss the challenges of healthcare cost management, quality of care, and access to care. While the course focuses on the U.S. healthcare system, we will also refer to healthcare systems in other developed countries.

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Visit the FAQs below for important information regarding 1) Date of the original release and expiration date; 2) Accreditation and Credit Designation statements; 3) Disclosure of financial relationships for every person in control of activity content.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Overview of Health Care Systems and Key Challenges They Face
Physicians, Physician Practices, and Physician Payment
Hospitals, Other Provider Organizations, and Related Payment Systems
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the fundamentals of the US healthcare system, which is especially relevant to US-based learners
Taught by a team of experienced instructors with extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry
Covers a wide range of topics from physician practices to pharmaceuticals, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare system
Explores the challenges of healthcare cost management, quality of care, and access to care, which are pressing issues in the industry
Supported by Stanford Medicine, a reputable institution known for its medical expertise and research

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Reviews summary

Foundational u.s. healthcare system overview

According to learners, this Introduction to Healthcare course from Stanford University offers a comprehensive and foundational overview of the U.S. healthcare system. Students appreciate its well-structured approach to explaining principal institutions and participants, including physician practices, hospitals, and insurance models. The course provides a valuable understanding of financing arrangements and the critical challenges related to cost management, quality of care, and access. The dedicated module on ethics in healthcare is also a significant highlight for many.
A dedicated module explores essential ethical considerations in healthcare.
"The ethics module was a significant strength; it made me think deeply about patient care and system morality."
"I appreciated the focus on ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system, it's often overlooked."
"It provided a solid framework for approaching ethical questions in a professional setting."
Offers practical insights into the interactions and challenges within the system.
"Understanding the challenges of cost management and quality of care was crucial for my professional development."
"The course sheds light on real-world issues like access to care and how various institutions interact."
"I now have a much clearer picture of the dynamics between providers, payers, and patients in the U.S."
Provides a thorough introduction to the complex U.S. healthcare landscape.
"This course is a great starting point for understanding how the U.S. healthcare system works, covering all the major players."
"I found the detailed explanations of insurance, financing, and delivery systems incredibly helpful for a beginner."
"It truly broke down the complexities of healthcare into understandable, bite-sized components."
Primarily focuses on the U.S. healthcare system, with limited international comparison.
"While it did mention other countries, I hoped for a bit more in-depth comparison to global systems."
"My main takeaway was a solid understanding of the U.S. model, but less on how it stacks up globally."
"If you're only interested in the US system, this is perfect; otherwise, you might seek more international context."
Provides a foundational introduction, not suited for advanced specialization.
"As an introduction, it covers breadth rather than extreme depth, which is what I expected."
"I found it to be a good starting point, but I'll need to pursue more specialized courses for advanced topics."
"This course is ideal for beginners or those seeking a general overview, not for highly experienced professionals."

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 Introduction to Healthcare with these activities:
Review the basics of the US healthcare system
Review the basics of the US healthcare system to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.
Show steps
  • Read the overview of the US healthcare system provided by the course.
  • Review your notes from previous courses or textbooks on the US healthcare system.
  • Take a practice quiz on the basics of the US healthcare system.
Complete practice problems on healthcare cost management
Enhance your understanding of the principles and techniques used to control healthcare costs.
Browse courses on Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify the key principles of healthcare cost management.
  • Solve practice problems that apply these principles to real-world scenarios.
Follow a tutorial on the different types of health insurance plans
Follow a tutorial to learn more about the different types of health insurance plans and how they work.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on the different types of health insurance plans.
  • Watch the tutorial and take notes on the key points.
  • Complete any exercises or quizzes that are included in the tutorial.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World' by Michael Marmot
Understand the complex interplay of social factors and health outcomes, which is a central theme in the course.
View The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the introduction and chapter 1.
  • Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
  • Discuss the implications of the book's findings for the future of healthcare.
Practice answering questions about the US healthcare system
Practice answering questions about the US healthcare system to test your understanding and identify areas where you need more review.
Show steps
  • Find practice questions on the US healthcare system.
  • Answer the questions to the best of your ability.
  • Review your answers and identify any areas where you need more practice.
Form a study group
Learn course material in a social experience and from the perspectives of your peers.
Show steps
  • Find and connect with other students in your course.
  • Establish norms and goals for your study group.
  • Meet regularly to discuss and study course material together.
Join a discussion group on emerging trends in healthcare
Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in healthcare by exchanging ideas and insights with peers.
Browse courses on Healthcare Innovation
Show steps
  • Join a discussion group or forum.
  • Actively participate in discussions.
  • Share your own insights and experiences.
Develop a patient-centered care plan
Apply the principles of patient-centered care to develop a comprehensive care plan that meets the unique needs of a specific patient.
Browse courses on Patient-Centered Care
Show steps
  • Interview a patient to gather their medical history.
  • Conduct a physical examination.
  • Review the patient's medical records.
  • Develop a care plan that addresses the patient's physical, psychological, and social needs.
Create a diagram of the US healthcare system
Create a diagram of the US healthcare system to visualize the different components and their interactions.
Show steps
  • Identify the key components of the US healthcare system.
  • Draw a diagram that shows the relationships between the different components.
  • Label the diagram with the names of the different components.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Healthcare will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants develop and implement solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system, including the key challenges it faces, the principal institutions and participants involved, and the financing and payment arrangements in place. This knowledge can be invaluable for Healthcare Consultants as they work with healthcare organizations to identify and address operational challenges, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the regulatory environment, and the financial and operational challenges they face. This knowledge can be essential for Healthcare Administrators as they make decisions about how to allocate resources, improve patient care, and ensure the financial viability of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Policy Analysts research and analyze healthcare policies and their impact on the healthcare system and patient care. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare policies, the political and economic factors that influence them, and the challenges of implementing and evaluating them. This knowledge can be crucial for Healthcare Policy Analysts as they develop and advocate for policies that improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Economist
Healthcare Economists analyze the economic aspects of healthcare, including the cost of healthcare services, the efficiency of healthcare delivery systems, and the impact of healthcare policies on the economy. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a strong foundation in the economics of healthcare, including the different types of healthcare markets, the factors that influence the demand for and supply of healthcare services, and the methods used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions. This knowledge can be essential for Healthcare Economists as they conduct research and provide policy advice on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Economist
Public Health Manager
Public Health Managers oversee public health programs and initiatives aimed at improving the health of communities. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the role of public health agencies, and the challenges of addressing public health issues such as chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and environmental health risks. This knowledge can be invaluable for Public Health Managers as they develop and implement programs to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent disease, and protect the public from health threats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Manager
Health Insurance Underwriter
Health Insurance Underwriters evaluate and assess the risk of insuring individuals and groups for health insurance coverage. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a strong foundation in the basics of health insurance, including the different types of health insurance plans, the factors that influence underwriting decisions, and the regulatory environment for health insurance. This knowledge can be essential for Health Insurance Underwriters as they determine the appropriate coverage and premiums for individuals and groups.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Insurance Underwriter
Healthcare Information Manager
Healthcare Information Managers oversee the collection, storage, and analysis of healthcare data. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare data, the technologies used to collect and analyze data, and the challenges of ensuring data privacy and security. This knowledge can be invaluable for Healthcare Information Managers as they develop and implement systems to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Information Manager
Medical Writer
Medical Writers create and edit written materials about medical topics for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the regulatory environment, and the challenges of communicating complex medical information in a clear and concise manner. This knowledge can be essential for Medical Writers as they develop and produce written materials that educate, inform, and persuade readers about health-related topics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the role of pharmaceutical companies, and the challenges of marketing and selling pharmaceutical products in a regulated environment. This knowledge can be invaluable for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives as they develop and implement sales strategies, build relationships with healthcare professionals, and educate them about the benefits of their products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Healthcare Market Researcher
Healthcare Market Researchers conduct research to understand the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in the healthcare system. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a strong foundation in the basics of healthcare market research, including the different types of research methods, the challenges of collecting and analyzing healthcare data, and the ethical considerations involved in healthcare research. This knowledge can be essential for Healthcare Market Researchers as they design and conduct research studies to inform decision-making about healthcare products, services, and policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Market Researcher
Healthcare IT Specialist
Healthcare IT Specialists design, implement, and maintain information technology systems for healthcare organizations. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the role of IT in healthcare, and the challenges of developing and implementing IT systems in a healthcare setting. This knowledge can be invaluable for Healthcare IT Specialists as they work with healthcare organizations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery through the use of technology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare IT Specialist
Healthcare Compliance Officer
Healthcare Compliance Officers ensure that healthcare organizations comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the regulatory environment for healthcare, and the challenges of ensuring compliance in a complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape. This knowledge can be essential for Healthcare Compliance Officers as they develop and implement compliance programs, conduct audits, and train staff on compliance requirements.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Compliance Officer
Healthcare Risk Manager
Healthcare Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to healthcare organizations. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the types of risks they face, and the challenges of managing risk in a healthcare setting. This knowledge can be invaluable for Healthcare Risk Managers as they develop and implement risk management plans, conduct risk assessments, and train staff on risk management practices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Risk Manager
Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialist
Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialists develop and implement programs to improve the quality of healthcare services. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, including the different types of healthcare organizations, the methods used to measure and improve quality, and the challenges of implementing quality improvement initiatives in a healthcare setting. This knowledge can be invaluable for Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialists as they work with healthcare organizations to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialist
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This Introduction to Healthcare course can provide a strong foundation in the basics of healthcare data analysis, including the different types of healthcare data, the methods used to collect and analyze data, and the challenges of using data to improve healthcare outcomes. This knowledge can be essential for Healthcare Data Analysts as they develop and implement data analytics solutions to help healthcare organizations make better decisions about patient care, resource allocation, and quality improvement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Introduction to Healthcare.
Cover image
Understanding Health Policy: A Clinical Approach,...
Save
A great textbook that is relevant to this course and provides a comprehensive overview of health policy. It has a particular focus on clinical practice and how policy affects patient care.
Understanding Health Policy: A Clinical Approach,...
Paperback
$$
Understanding Health Policy: A Clinical Approach,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Save
A comprehensive reference book on health economics. Provides in-depth coverage of the economic principles that underlie the health care system.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice
Paperback
$$$
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts And Practice
Paperback
$$
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice
Paperback
$$$
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice
Paperback
$$
Cost Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice
Hardcover
$$$
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Save
A collection of essays and cases on health care ethics. Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues that arise in health care, from end-of-life care to the allocation of resources.
Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Paperback
Check
Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Priced Out
Save
A concise and accessible overview of the American health care system. Provides a clear and jargon-free explanation of the key players and institutions.
Priced Out: The Economic and Ethical Costs of...
Paperback
$$
Priced Out: The Economic and Ethical Costs of...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Scully’s Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine: The Basis...
Save
A practical guide to health care finance. Provides clear and concise explanations of the different aspects of health care finance, from budgeting to revenue management.
Scully’s Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine: The Basis...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
An American Sickness
Save
Examines the role of big business in the U.S. healthcare system and its impact on the quality and cost of care.
An American Sickness
Paperback
Check
An American Sickness
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Remedy and Reaction
Save
Provides an overview of the history of healthcare reform in the U.S. and discusses the need for further reform.
Remedy and Reaction
Paperback
Check
Remedy and Reaction
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Problem that Won't Go Away
Save
Examines the challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system and offers solutions for how to improve the system.
The Problem that Won't Go Away
Paperback
Check
The Problem that Won't Go Away
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Patient Will See You Now
Save
Discusses the future of healthcare and the role that patients will play in their own care.
The Patient Will See You Now: The Future of...
Hardcover
$$
The Patient Will See You Now: The Future of...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
Nigam Shah
Mildred Cho
Laurence Baker
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called AI in Healthcare. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. AI in Healthcare Capstone
  2. Introduction to Healthcare (viewing)
  3. Evaluations of AI Applications in Healthcare
  4. Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Healthcare
  5. Introduction to Clinical Data
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the fundamentals of the US healthcare system, which is especially relevant to US-based learners
Taught by a team of experienced instructors with extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry
Covers a wide range of topics from physician practices to pharmaceuticals, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare system
Explores the challenges of healthcare cost management, quality of care, and access to care, which are pressing issues in the industry
Supported by Stanford Medicine, a reputable institution known for its medical expertise and research
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