Introduction to Healthcare (Coursera)

Offered by Stanford University,
Introduction to Healthcare (Coursera)

Solving the problems and challenges within the U.S. healthcare system requires a deep understanding of how the system works. Successful solutions and strategies must take into account the realities of the current system. This course explores the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system. It will introduce the principal institutions and participants in healthcare systems, explain what they do, and discuss the interactions between them. The course will cover physician practices, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and insurance and financing arrangements.

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We will also discuss the challenges of healthcare cost management, quality of care, and access to care. While the course focuses on the U.S. healthcare system, we will also refer to healthcare systems in other developed countries.
Course 1 of 5 in the AI in Healthcare Specialization.
What You Will Learn

  • The major challenges of the U.S.healthcare system
  • Issues you may encounter in efforts to improve healthcare delivery and the healthcare system
  • Who the key stakeholders are in the U.S. healthcare system

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Overview of Health Care Systems and Key Challenges They Face
WEEK 2: Physicians, Physician Practices, and Physician Payment
WEEK 3: Hospitals, Other Provider Organizations, and Related Payment Systems
WEEK 4: Intermediaries, Health Insurance Plans, and Health Care Financing
WEEK 5: Health Care Products and Prescription Drugs, and Quality Measurement and Improvement
WEEK 6: Ethics in Healthcare System
WEEK 7: Course Summary and Final Assessment

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