The U.S. Health Care Delivery System

This book provides an accessible and concise introduction to the basic structures and operations of the U.S. health care system. Written and edited by American Hospital Association Resource Center staff, the text offers a clear overview of the major stakeholders in the American health care system. It cuts through the complexities of the health care industry and presents a solid view of how the various components fit together. It explains basic concepts as well as provides insight to current health care issues in bite-size pieces. The question-and-answer format makes it easy to find answers on how the U.S. health services system is organized, managed, and financed. The book is structured around five major components of the U.S. health care delivery system, and each chapter contains an outline that quickly leads readers to the desired information point. An in-depth glossary provides acronym and term definitions, including the source of the definitions.