Healthcare Delivery in the United States

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to healthcare delivery and systems in the United States.

healthcare system

An organized way of delivering healthcare services to a population.

spectrum of healthcare delivery

A range of healthcare services from preventive care to end-of-life care.

population-based public health practice

Healthcare that focuses on the health outcomes of a group of individuals.

long-term care

Services that provide assistance to individuals over an extended period.

inpatient care

Medical care provided to patients who stay overnight in a hospital.

outpatient care

Medical care provided to patients who do not require hospitalization.

Medicare

A federal healthcare program for individuals aged 65 and older, and certain younger individuals with disabilities.

Medicaid

A state and federally funded program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.

managed care

A system of health care delivery that aims to manage costs and quality of care.

deductible

The amount a policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.

coinsurance

The percentage of costs of a covered healthcare service that the insured must pay after the deductible.

copayment

A fixed amount paid by the patient for a specific service, usually at the time of service.

health maintenance organization (HMO)

A managed care organization that provides health insurance coverage for a range of medical services.

preferred provider organization (PPO)

A managed care organization that offers more flexibility in selecting providers compared to HMOs.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

A comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in 2010 aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and reducing costs.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

A program that provides health coverage to eligible children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid.

health insurance

A contract between a patient and an insurer to cover healthcare expenses.

complementary and alternative medicine

Medical practices that are not part of standard medical care and are used alongside or instead of conventional treatments.

self-insured

When a company or organization assumes the financial risk for providing healthcare benefits to its employees.

quality of health care

Assessment of healthcare effectiveness, including being effective, safe, timely, patient-centered, equitable, and efficient.