Introduction to Health Services
Homework #1
Review Questions- please answer all questions in complete sentences. Make sure to add your name to the assignment
CHAPTER 1: Understanding Health Systems: The Organization of Health Care in the United States
1. Describe the major trends in the evolution of health care services in the United States over the past 100 years.
2. How has the role of government changed in the U.S. health care system, and what future trends in government involvement do you anticipate?
3. Describe the differences in health care systems for the middle class, the poor, and the military.
4. How is health affected by behaviors, economics, and social structure?
5. Describe your view of the role of health care services in the nation’s success and survival as a coherent democracy.
Over the past 100 years, the health care system in the United States has undergone significant changes and evolution. One major trend has been the increasing specialization and technological advancement of medical treatments and procedures. In addition, there has been a shift towards a more organized and integrated system of health care delivery, with the development of managed care organizations and the growth of the insurance industry. Another trend has been the increasing role of government in financing and regulating the health care system, through programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
The role of government in the U.S. health care system has changed significantly over the past 100 years. In the early 20th century, the government played a relatively limited role in financing and regulating health care. However, the introduction of programs such as Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s marked a significant expansion of the government’s role in the health care system. Today, the government continues to play a significant role in financing and regulating health care, and there is ongoing debate about the appropriate level of government involvement in the health care system. Some possible future trends in government involvement could include further expansion of public insurance programs, greater regulation of the health care industry, or a move towards a single payer system.
In the United States, the health care system is generally divided into three categories: the middle class, the poor, and the military. The middle class generally has access to a range of private insurance options and can afford to pay out-of-pocket for medical care. The poor, on the other hand, may rely on public insurance programs such as Medicaid or may not have insurance coverage at all. The military has its own separate health care system, with active duty personnel and their families generally receiving care through military hospitals and clinics.
Health can be affected by a range of factors, including behaviors, economics, and social structure. For example, unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or poor diet can have a negative impact on health, while access to quality health care and economic resources can have a positive impact. Social structure can also play a role in determining health outcomes, as certain social groups may face barriers to accessing health care or may be more vulnerable to certain health risks.
In my view, health care services are essential for the success and survival of a coherent democracy. Ensuring that all citizens have access to quality health care helps to promote the overall well-being and productivity of the population, and it is a key component of a fair and just society. At the same time, the health care system can also serve as a source of social cohesion and solidarity, as it brings people together in a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community.
CHAPTER 2: Technology in the U.S. Health Care System
1. List the different classifications of health care technology (by industrial group).
2. Why it is important to understand that medical technology is a collection of very specific subgroupings?
3. Briefly describe the stages of medical technology development.
4. Describe the four phases of clinical testing in humans.
5. Discuss the technological assessment process carried out by health insurance plans.
6. How has medical technology affected clinicians and organizations?
