History and Systems of Healthcare Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the historical evolution of medicine, key medical figures, and modern healthcare insurance and cost-management systems.

Roman Period

A historical period credited for establishing the first formal public health and sanitation systems, including the construction of aqueducts, sewers, and public baths.

Egyptian Era

An era in medicine recognized for pioneering chemical system theory, pharmacology, and the use of natural chemicals for embalming and medicinal purposes.

Chinese Medicine

A medical system focused on the balance of energy ($Qi$) along meridians, notably introducing acupuncture as a technique to manipulate energy flow.

Trepanation

One of the earliest recorded medical interventions from primitive times, involving the drilling of holes in the skull to release spirits.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

A type of health insurance plan that requires users to stay within a network of providers and usually requires a referral from a primary care physician.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

A health insurance plan that offers flexibility to see out-of-network providers, typically without a referral, but at a higher cost.

Premium

The fixed amount of money paid periodically (usually monthly) to an insurance company to keep a health insurance policy active.

Deductible

The specific amount of money a policyholder must pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before the insurance company begins to pay for covered expenses.

DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group)

A system designed to control healthcare costs by categorizing hospital stays into groups for payment purposes, establishing a fixed fee for each group.

Co-payment

A flat fee paid at the time of each specific medical service, such as a $20$ fee for a doctor's visit.

Hippocrates

Known as the Father of Medicine, he is associated with the early development of medical systems and the Four Humors Theory.

Florence Nightingale

The historical figure credited with the development of Modern Nursing.

Edward Jenner

The scientist credited with the discovery and development of the Smallpox vaccine.

Gabriel Fahrenheit

The individual credited with the invention of the Thermometer.

William Harvey

The scientist who discovered the process of Blood Circulation.

Andreas Vesalius

The author responsible for the First Anatomy Book.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

The scientist who invented the Microscope, allowing the observation of objects too small for the naked eye.

Average Lifespan: Primitive Times

The average lifespan during this era was approximately $20$ years.

Average Lifespan: Greek Medicine

The average lifespan during this era was approximately $20\text{--}30$ years.

Average Lifespan: Renaissance/Revolution

The average lifespan during this era was approximately $30\text{--}40$ years.

Average Lifespan: 19th Century

The average lifespan during this era was approximately $40\text{--}50$ years.

Average Lifespan: 21st Century

The average lifespan during this era is approximately $75\text{--}85+$ years.

Cost Containment

Strategies and policies implemented to control rising healthcare costs while maintaining the quality of care provided.

Holistic Medicine

An approach to healthcare that treats the whole person—considering physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being—rather than just symptoms.

Four Humors

A medical theory stating the body contains four fluids (blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm), where an imbalance causes illness.

Preventive Care

Health services such as screenings, check-ups, and immunizations intended to prevent illnesses or detect them at an early, treatable stage.

Genetic Medicine

A field of medicine that received strong emphasis for advancement during the 21st century.