Foundations of The United States Healthcare System

Catalog description

This course introduces students to how healthcare is organized, delivered, and financed in the U.S. The course covers major components of the system, including care settings, healthcare providers, insurance and reimbursement models, and the government’s role in policy and regulation. Students will learn to recognize and differentiate between commercial insurance plans such as PPOs, HMOs, and Advantage plans, as well as government programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. Emphasis is also placed on complying with privacy laws (HIPAA, HITECH) and reporting medical emergencies as required by law. The course addresses challenges related to access, cost, quality, and equity, while also exploring emerging trends such as telehealth and value-based care. By the end of the course, students will understand how the U.S. healthcare system functions and the vital role administrative professionals play in supporting efficient operations.