Fundamentals of the U.S. Health Care System

This initial course in the Patient Advocacy Certificate provides an overview of the health care system. Topics include health care reform; system components; how we pay for health care; how health care is delivered; consumer and provider perspectives; and emerging health care issues in the 21st century, including quality measurement, patient safety, and technology. Students receive a foundation for understanding health care delivery systems, health insurance policies, benefits, and costs in order to assist patients and providers in navigating the intense, dynamic, and complex U.S. health care system.