Health Care System An Overview

Introduction Many possible health care systems. Health care is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in U.S. Employs over 10 million workers in over 200 careers!! Two billion dollar per day business!! Financing Health Care one of the key issues facing our future President – system in crisis.

Hospitals General hospitals – treat wide range of conditions –Community Memorial Hospital, St. John’s, Ventura County Medical Center Specialty hospitals – treat certain conditions or age groups –Burns, oncology, pediatric, etc. Government hospitals – operated by government agencies –Veteran’s hospitals, state psychiatric hospitals, state rehab centers. University medical centers – provide services, research and education (training).

Classifications of Hospitals Based on funding received. Private hospital (CMH) funded by patient fees and/or an organization providing support. Religious hospital (St. John’s) funded by patient fees and support from religious institution (Catholic church). Non-profit hospital funded by patient fees and donations. Government hospital funded by tax monies and patient fees (VCMC)

Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) Provide care for elderly, people with physical/mental disabilities, or people with chronic or long term illnesses. Patients called residents or clients. Nursing homes – geriatric patients –Basic physical and emotional care for patients who cannot care for themselves. –Offer different levels of care based on needs for daily living. –Some individuals live independently, purchasing or renting apartments.

LTCF continued Extended care/skilled care facilities –Skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. –Prepare patient for return to home –Some for rehab from major illness or surgery, cancer treatment, or daily treatments like dialysis or heart monitoring. –Can be associated with a nursing home.

Medical Offices Vary from privately owned offices to large complexes operating as a corporation. –Buena Ventura Medical Clinic Services: diagnosis, treatment, exams, lab work, minor surgery (outpatient) Some are general care, others specialize.

Dental and Optometry Can vary from private offices to larger clinics. Both dental and optometry services can now be found in malls or department stores! –LensCrafters Can provide general or specific care. –Orthodontia, laser eye surgery,

Clinics Refers to group of physicians who share a facility. All types of specialties found in clinics. Hospitals have outpatient clinics for treatment that does not require hospital admittance. Public Health Department has clinics for pediatric care, care for STD’s, immunizations. Medical schools have clinics for medical students to work/train in. –Often offer free care

Emergency Care Services Provide care for sudden illness or accidents/trauma. Includes: ambulance services, rescue squads, emergency rooms in hospitals, urgent care clinics, helicopter or airplane emergency services. Often very busy in urban areas due to increase of violent crime.

Home health care Provide care in patient’s home. Types of care: –Nursing –personal care: bathing, dressing –Therapy: occupational, speech, respiratory –Homemaking: meals, cleaning, washing Can be funded by many sources. Growing industry as population ages

Hospice agencies Provide care for the terminally ill who have life expectancy of 6 months. Care provided at home Allows person to die with dignity andin comfort Provides psychological, social, spiritual, and physical support to individual and family.

Mental Health facilities Deal with mental diseases and disorders Examples: –Guidance and counseling centers –Psychiatric clinic and hospitals –Chemical abuse treatment centers –Physical abuse treatment centers

Rehabilitation facilities Provide care directed at helping patient with physical or mental disabilities to obtain maximum independence. Can be associated with hospitals, clinics, or private centers. Services can include physical, occupational, speech, recreational, and hearing therapies.