Understanding the US Healthcare System and Where Pharmacy Fits in!

PHR 915 9/24/26

define health

State of complete physical, mental, and social well being, not

merely the absence of disease or infirmity

define health equity

When ALL people have the opportunity to

attain their full health potential and NO

ONE is disadvantaged because of their

social position or other socially determined

circumstance

what are the parts of the social determinants of health

education access and quality

health care

neighborhood and built environment

social and community context

economic stability

define the social determinants of health

The conditions in the

environments where people

are born, live, learn, work,

play, worship, and age that

affect a wide range of health,

functioning, and quality-of-

life outcomes and risks

what do we need to fulfill health equity

programs, measurement, and policy

define care

Efforts made to maintain or restore

physical, mental, or emotional well-

being by trained and licensed

professionals

what is included in care

Includes preventative measures and

medical interventions

how do we provide care

Typically offered through organizations in which the licensed

professionals (Health Care Professionals) work

examples: Ambulatory care clinics

Pharmacies Outpatient surgery

what is the model of organizing care

the bottom is primary, middle secondary, tertiary is top

what is primary care

common health problems like your diabetes or hypertension

there’s also preventative care measure like vaccines and mammograms

what is secondary care

problems that require more specialized clinical expertise such as hospital care for renal failure

what is tertiary care

management of rare and complex disorders such as tumors

define system

institutions, orgs, health depts, The financial intermediaries, planners, and regulators who control, fund, and influence the providers they keep us running

what are the three main system components

patient, payors, and providers