Written from a public health or population perspective, this book provides a clear overview of the US healthcare system and the professional, political, social, and economic forces that have shaped it. It is intended as a text for an introductory course in the organization and delivery of US healthcare, for students in public health, medicine, nursing, health administration, dentistry, pharmacy, and other allied health professions. Chapters can stand alone as balanced discussion of individual subjects, or can be read in sequence. This sixth edition has been revised to reflect the most recent developments in the field. There is new discussion on the Freedom Commission on Mental Health initiative, hospital competition with privately owned outpatient facilities, government and private insurer cost savings initiatives, and the effect of Iraq War casualties on VA services. Sultz and Young are affiliated with the State University of New York-Buffalo.

Written from a public health or population perspective, this book provides a clear overview of the US healthcare system and the professional, political, social, and economic forces that have shaped it. It is intended as a text for an introductory course in the organization and delivery of US healthcare, for students in public health, medicine, nursing, health administration, dentistry, pharmacy, and other allied health professions. Chapters can stand alone as balanced discussion of individual subjects, or can be read in sequence. This sixth edition has been revised to reflect the most recent developments in the field. There is new discussion on the Freedom Commission on Mental Health initiative, hospital competition with privately owned outpatient facilities, government and private insurer cost savings initiatives, and the effect of Iraq War casualties on VA services. Sultz and Young are affiliated with the State University of New York-Buffalo. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)