Essentials of the U.S. Health Care System 6th Edition

Essentials of the U.S. Health Care System, Sixth Edition by Leiyu Shi and Douglas A. Singh is a concise, accessible introduction to one of the most complex health care systems in the world. Designed specifically for undergraduate students and newcomers to health studies, this book distills the core concepts from the authors’ comprehensive bestseller Delivering Health Care in America into a streamlined, reader-friendly format.

The sixth edition provides a structured overview of the organization, financing, and delivery of health care in the United States, helping readers understand how public and private sectors interact to provide care. Complex topics—such as insurance coverage, provider systems, reimbursement models, and regulatory frameworks—are explained clearly, making the text ideal for students with little prior exposure to health policy or health administration.

This updated edition incorporates the latest data, charts, and figures, ensuring accuracy and relevance in a rapidly evolving health care landscape. New content reflects major political, technological, and social shifts shaping modern health care. Expanded sections explore health care reform prospects under the Biden Administration, the growing influence of patient advocacy organizations, and the ongoing implications of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on access, cost, and insurance coverage.

A major strength of this edition is its thorough coverage of COVID-19, examining the pandemic’s impact on hospitals, vulnerable populations, health care delivery systems, and future preparedness. These insights help students connect theory with real-world public health challenges and policy responses.

The book also addresses emerging innovations and future trends in health care, including nanomedicine, artificial intelligence in health informatics, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting patient data. Updated discussions on payment models—such as value-based care, cost-saving initiatives, the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), and rehabilitation therapy payments—provide valuable context for understanding modern reimbursement systems.

Throughout the text, Shi and Singh emphasize the persistent dilemmas of cost, coverage, and access, guiding readers through the economic, political, and ethical tensions that influence health system reform. The book encourages critical thinking about how future changes may reshape health care delivery in the United States.

Each print copy includes Navigate eBook access, allowing students to read the text online or offline across devices, enhancing flexibility and learning convenience.

Ideal for courses in health administration, public health, nursing, health policy, and allied health programs, Essentials of the U.S. Health Care System, 6th Edition is an indispensable resource for understanding how the U.S. health care system works today—and where it is headed tomorrow.