UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, THE: COMBINING BUSINESS, HEALTH, AND DELIVERY, 2/e is the most readable, student-friendly overview of the US healthcare system. Written simply and informally, it focuses on breadth rather than non-essential depth, giving even inexperienced students the knowledge they need to succeed. It addresses these questions: "What is this business called healthcare?" "How do we pay for healthcare?" "Who provides healthcare?" and "Where and how is healthcare provided?" as well as related issues ranging from pharmaceuticals to research and prevention. This edition is fully updated for the latest trends, including the 2010 healthcare reform legislation and the newest available statistics. It also adds new chapters on ethics, as well as extensive new coverage of business careers in healthcare.

Health and health care in America : an introduction -- The business side of health care -- The payment process : insurance and third-party payers -- The payment process : government payment programs -- Health care providers : physicians and nurses -- Other clinical and non-clinical health care providers -- Offices, clinics, and hospitals -- The long-term care continuum -- Mental health services : a combination of systems -- The public health system : the government's role -- Medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological research -- Health care research and prevention -- Cultural competency, health literacy, and health care ethics -- International health care.