This book is an engaging and clinically applicable work on the principles and structure of the U.S. healthcare system. The authors weave key principles, descriptions, and concrete examples into chapters that make important health policy issues both interesting and understandable. Fully updated to reflect current issues in the ever-changing world of health care, the newest edition addresses all the topics that affect you most, from the structure and organization of the industry to issues regarding government and private insurance to access to healthcare. Everything you need to understand how the health care system works--and your role in it: Clinical vignettes in every chapter illustrate key points; Detailed treatment of both U.S. and international issues; A complete chapter of review questions; NEW Expanded coverage of health-care workers other than physicians; NEW Closer scrutiny of the pharmaceutical industry; and NEW Brand-new chapter on the medical education system.

Title from PDF title page (viewed December 8, 2008). "A Lange medical book."

Introduction: the paradox of excess and deprivation -- Paying for health care -- Access to health care -- Reimbursing health care providers -- How health care is organized-I -- How health care is organized-II -- The health care workplace and the education of health care professionals -- Painful verson painless cost control -- Mechanisms for controlling costs -- Quality of health care -- Prevention of illness -- Long-term care -- Medical ethics and the rationing of health care -- Health care in four nations -- National health insurance -- Conflict and change in America's health care system -- Conclusion: tensions & challenges -- Questions & discussion topics.