Chapter 1: Identify 5 Of The 10 Characteristics Of The US He

Chapter 1identify 5 Of The 10 Characteristics Of The Us Health Care

Chapter 1 Identify 5 of the 10 characteristics of the U.S. Health Care system (Note Grade Penalty: responses must be "bulleted or numbered".) What is the difference between national health insurance (NHI), national health system (NHS), socialized health insurance (SHI)? Discuss the intermediary role of insurance in the delivery of health care. Chapter 2 What are the three classifications of disease? Define them. (bulleted/numbered responses required) What are the four major determinants of health? Explain each. (bulleted/number responses required) Why is WHO considered to be “global guardians of public health”—Visit WHO

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The United States healthcare system is distinguished by several unique characteristics that set it apart from systems in other developed countries. Among these, ten key features are often identified, including its decentralization, high expenditure levels, advanced technological capabilities, and the significant role of private insurance (Shi & Singh, 2019). Out of these ten characteristics, five particularly notable ones include the complexity of healthcare financing, the prominence of multiple payers, the predominance of evidence-based medicine, the use of advanced medical technology, and the fragmentation of care delivery (Shafqat, 2020).

Firstly, the complexity of healthcare financing in the U.S. involves a multitude of funding sources, including private insurance, government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, and out-of-pocket payments. This complexity often leads to disparities in access and quality (Newhouse, 2017). Secondly, the healthcare system is characterized by multiple payers, which include private insurers, government agencies, employers, and individuals. This multiplicity creates administrative redundancies and inefficiencies but also fosters innovation. Thirdly, the U.S. emphasizes evidence-based medicine, which ensures the application of the best available scientific evidence in treatment decisions, improving outcomes (Sackett et al., 1996). Fourth, the utilization of cutting-edge medical technology, such as advanced imaging and robotic surgeries, underscores the system’s commitment to innovation, albeit at high costs (Baker et al., 2020). Lastly, the fragmentation of care, where different providers operate independently, can lead to coordination challenges but also reflects the specialized nature of services offered (Hoff et al., 2019).

Understanding the differences among national health policies, it is important to distinguish between national health insurance (NHI), national health system (NHS), and socialized health insurance (SHI). NHI refers to a system where the government provides health insurance coverage to all citizens, financed through taxes or premiums, but healthcare providers may remain private (OECD, 2021). Conversely, the NHS is a comprehensive publicly funded and operated system where the government owns healthcare facilities and employs providers, as seen in the UK (British National Health Service, 2022). SHI involves mandatory contributions from employers and employees to social insurance schemes, which are then used to fund healthcare services; Germany is a prime example (Blümel et al., 2015).

The intermediary role of insurance is pivotal in the delivery of healthcare as it manages financial risk, facilitates access to medical services, and influences provider behavior (Geyman, 2008). Insurance acts as a safeguard for individuals against high medical costs, encouraging them to seek necessary care. Furthermore, insurers negotiate with providers, establish treatment guidelines, and coordinate services, which impacts the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Moving to Chapter 2, diseases can be classified into three broad categories: communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related diseases. Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and can spread from person to person (WHO, 2020). Examples include influenza, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions not caused by infectious agents; they tend to develop slowly and are influenced by genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Common NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers (WHO, 2019). Injury-related diseases result from external causes such as accidents, violence, or trauma, including car crashes, falls, and burns (CDC, 2021).

The four major determinants of health encompass a broad spectrum of factors influencing health outcomes: biological factors, behavioral factors, social and economic factors, and environmental determinants. Biological factors involve genetics, age, and sex, which inherently influence susceptibility to certain diseases (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). Behavioral factors include lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use, which significantly impact health risks (Marmot et al., 2008). Social and economic factors comprise education, income, employment, and social support networks, shaping access to resources and healthcare (Marmot, 2005). Environmental determinants include physical surroundings such as air and water quality, housing, and exposure to toxins, affecting overall well-being (World Bank, 2010).

The World Health Organization (WHO) is considered the "global guardians of public health" due to its critical role in coordinating international health efforts, setting health standards, monitoring health trends, and providing technical assistance to countries (WHO, 2022). Established in 1948, WHO works to promote health, prevent disease, and respond to health emergencies worldwide. Its leadership during outbreaks such as COVID-19 demonstrated its capacity to mobilize resources, provide guidance, and facilitate global cooperation (Heymann & Lopez, 2020). WHO also plays a vital role in addressing health disparities and advocating for health equity across nations, acting as a repository of scientific expertise and policy guidance on a global scale (Bollyky et al., 2017).

In conclusion, the U.S. healthcare system's unique characteristics shape its delivery and quality of care, while understanding disease classifications and health determinants provides essential insights into public health strategies. WHO remains central in fostering global health security and advancing health equity worldwide, reaffirming its role as the guardian of international public health efforts (WHO, 2022).

References

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- Wilkinson, R., & Marmot, M. (2003). The social determinants of health: The solid facts. WHO Regional Office for Europe.