HSCI 2111 Midterm Study Guide - Spring 2025

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on healthcare organizations, policies, public health, and service types.

What are Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)?

ACOs are groups of healthcare providers that work together to improve care coordination and outcomes, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, care coaches, social workers, and diabetic educators.

When was the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "Obama Care," passed?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010.

What are the goals of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Increasing health insurance coverage, making health insurance more affordable, expanding Medicaid to more people, and reforming the private insurance market.

What is The Joint Commission?

A non-profit organization that evaluates and accredits health care organizations in the United States.

What is the mission of The Joint Commission?

To improve patient safety and quality of care.

What does EMTALA stand for?

Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.

What is the main requirement of EMTALA?

It's a federal law that requires hospitals to provide emergency care to anyone who comes to their emergency department, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

What healthcare functions does the state government provide?

The state government provides statistics and professional (MD, RN, PT, RT, Pharmacist, etc.) licensing for the state.

Which agencies are included in Federal Health Departments and are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?

The National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

What is the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990?

A law establishing the patient's right to make medical decisions and to document their wishes.

What are the core functions of Public Health?

Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance.

What is "Assessment" as a core function of Public Health?

This involves collecting and analyzing data to understand the health needs of a community, including identifying health risks and trends.

What is "Policy Development" as a core function of Public Health?

This function focuses on creating and advocating for policies that promote health and prevent disease at the community level.

What is "Assurance" as a core function of Public Health?

This involves ensuring that necessary public health services are available and accessible to the community, including monitoring quality and enforcing regulations.

What were the key outcomes of the Flexner Report in 1910?

The Flexner Report led to standards of care and evidence-based practice.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Individuals aged 65 and over, those with renal failure, and the disabled.

Who is eligible for Medicaid?

The indigent and individuals requiring Long Term Care (LTC).

How is rehabilitation in Long Term Care (LTC) reimbursed by Medicare?

Medicare provides a reimbursement rate for the first 100 days.

Approximately how much of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) does the U.S. spend on healthcare?

Variable, between 17.9 - 19%, possibly over 20%.

What is Health Literacy, as defined by Title V of the Affordable Care Act?

The degree to which an individual has the ability to obtain and absorb basic health information to make the best health decisions for themselves.

How is "Community Health" typically defined?

By geography or culture.

What are the components of the Epidemiology Triangle?

Agent, Host, and Environment.

What are the components of the Iron Triangle in healthcare?

Access, quality, and cost of health care.

How do Lean and Six-Sigma apply in healthcare quality improvement?

They use statistical analysis to improve "quality," reduce medical errors, and achieve better patient outcomes.

What is the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model?

A four-stage model for problem-solving and process improvement, widely used in health care to improve quality and systems.

What do life expectancy and infant mortality indicate according to the World Health Organization (WHO)?

They are indicators of health.

What is a hospitalist?

A physician who cares for inpatients, meaning they only work inside a hospital. These doctors have often completed residency training in general internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, or oncology. They may also be board-certified in hospital medicine.

What is a For-Profit Hospital?

A medical center that is owned by investors and aims to make a profit for shareholders, relying on investments, patient fees, and insurance reimbursements.

What defines a Not-for-Profit hospital?

They are non-profit/tax-exempt because they are dedicated to serving communities and providing care regardless of a patient's ability to pay, relying on tax exemptions, philanthropic donations, and governmental grants.

What is a Teaching hospital?

An academic medical center that partners with medical and nursing schools, education programs, and research centers to improve health care through learning and research.

What is a State hospital?

A hospital that is funded and run by state government, typically providing mental health services.

What characterizes Federal hospitals?

They are operated by the Federal government, including facilities run by the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Veterans Health Administration. They provide care for specific patients such as active military personnel and have reporting requirements as both hospitals and federal government agencies.

What is the difference between licensure and certification in professional healthcare?

Licensure is provided by the state for professionals, while certification is typically from a national organization, or sometimes at the state level (e.g., for NAS).

What is "public health surveillance"?

The ongoing collection, analysis, and sharing of data to prevent and control disease. It's a key part of public health, and it helps identify and track outbreaks, assesses the effectiveness of interventions, and plans future programs.

What is "Population Health"?

The overall health and well-being of a group of people, typically defined by geographic location, demographic characteristics, or other shared factors.

What services do Local Health Departments typically provide?

Immunizations, disease control, education, environmental health regulation. They also offer primary care, maternal and child health services, and nutritional services.

What is a significant characteristic of the aging population?

It is the fastest-growing segment of the population.