Dynamics of Healthcare

Almshouse

Early public institutions that provided care for the poor, elderly, and sick who had nowhere else to go, serving as precursors to hospitals and nursing homes.

Ambulatory Care

Medical services provided on an outpatient basis where patients receive care without being admitted to a hospital, such as doctor visits or urgent care.

BRFSS

Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System

A nationwide survey system run by the CDC that collects data from U.S. adults on health behaviors, chronic conditions, and preventive service use.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Federally certified clinics that provide a wide range of mental health and substance use services with an emphasis on quality and accessibility.

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)

A federal health benefits program for dependents and survivors of certain disabled or deceased veterans.

Commissioned Corps

A branch of the U.S. Public Health Service made up of uniformed health professionals who respond to public health emergencies and promote national health initiatives.

Community Mental Health Act

A 1963 law signed by President Kennedy that funded the creation of community mental health centers, shifting care away from large institutions.

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)

Local facilities that provide outpatient services such as therapy, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation for mental health and substance use disorders.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Illness

The process of identifying a disease or condition based on symptoms and tests, then providing appropriate medical care to manage or cure it.

Disease Prevention Services

activities designed to protect people from disease or detect it early, including vaccinations, screenings, and education.

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

Community-based clinics that receive federal funding to provide comprehensive care to underserved populations regardless of ability to pay.

Health Promotion Services Programs

and activities that encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles, such as nutrition counseling and exercise programs.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

A federal agency that improves access to healthcare for uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable people.

Indian Health Services (IHS)

A federal program that provides healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives through hospitals, clinics, and community programs.

Informed Consent

The process of explaining a treatment or procedure so patients can make an informed, voluntary decision about their care.

Mental Health Services

Medical and therapeutic care focused on diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with mental or emotional disorders.

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008

A federal law requiring insurance companies to cover mental health and substance use disorders at the same level as medical care.

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)

A branch of the CDC that collects and analyzes data on the health of the U.S. population, such as births, deaths, and disease rates.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

A federal program that offers scholarships and loan repayment to healthcare professionals who serve in medically underserved areas.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The leading federal agency for research on mental disorders that funds studies to improve understanding and treatment.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) A healthcare model that provides coordinated, comprehensive care centered on the patient’s needs and focused on prevention and teamwork.

Patient Care Partnership

A document from the American Hospital Association that explains hospital patients’ rights to quality care, privacy, and information.

Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014

A federal law that prevented Medicare payment cuts and created programs to improve mental health care, including CCBHCs.

Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

A diagnosable mental or emotional disorder that seriously interferes with major life activities, such as working or self-care.

Social Security Act of 1935

A landmark law that established Social Security, unemployment insurance, and public assistance programs forming the U.S. welfare foundation.

Social Security Act of 1965

The law that created Medicare and Medicaid, providing health insurance for elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals.