Preface.

About the Authors.

1. Foundations.

At a Glance.

Some History.

Health and Disease.

Health Service Need, Demand, and Utilization.

Boards and Governance.

2. Health Care Organizations and Services.

Distinctive Characteristics.

Ambulatory Care.

Hospital Care.

Long-Term Care.

Mental Health Care.

Health Systems.

Public Health Services.

3. Health Care Financing.

Changing Economic Dynamics.

Flow of Funds Through the System.

Health Insurance.

Types of Health Insurance Plans.

Voluntary Health Insurance.

Social Health Insurance (Medicare).

Welfare Insurance (Medicaid).

Health Maintenance Organizations.

4. Health Care Personnel.

Physicians.

Nurses.

Ancillary Nursing Personnel.

Dentists.

Pharmacists.

Other Health Professionals.

5. Predictions and Challenges.

Appendixes.

A. Glossary of Health Care Terms.

B. Medical Specialties.

C. Recommendations for Learning More.

References.

Index.