Health Care Systems

Question 1

What is a healthcare system?

Answer 1

A network of facilities, providers, and organizations that deliver medical care.

Healthcare systems include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health services.

Question 2

Which healthcare setting provides short-term treatment for severe injuries or illnesses?

Answer 2

Acute care settings

Acute care is provided in hospitals, emergency rooms, and surgical centers.

Question 3

How does a sub-acute care setting differ from an acute one?

Answer 3

Sub-acute care provides ongoing treatment after an acute illness or injury but is less intensive than hospital care.

Patients tend to stay in a sub-acute care setting for 30 days.

Question 4

Define:

long-term care setting

Answer 4

Care given to patients who require treatment or assistance for an extended period of time.

Patients tend to need support in basic care due to physical or cognitive limitations.

Examples include dementia, multiple sclerosis, or severe spinal cord injuries.

Question 5

List TWO examples of sub-acute care settings.

Answer 5

1. Rehabilitation centers
2. Skilled nursing facilities

Sub-acute care settings are meant for patients recovering from major illnesses, or those that require specialized medical treatment.

Question 6

What is a skilled nursing facility?

(SNF)

Answer 6

A healthcare setting that provides 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation.

SNFs serve patients recovering from surgery or serious illness.

Question 7

List FOUR types of long-term care facilities.

Answer 7

1. Nursing homes
2. Assisted living facilities
3. Memory care units
4. In-home care

These facilities provide extended medical and personal care.

Question 8

Define:

a nursing home

Answer 8

A long-term facility that provides 24/7 support for patients who require a higher level of care.

Patients in a nursing home have generally lost the ability to complete at least one or more activities of daily living independently.

Question 9

Define:

an assisted-living facility

Answer 9

A long-term care facility that offers patients their own living spaces, while offering shared services.

Patients at assisted-living facilities tend to be more independent and are generally able to complete activities of daily living on their own.

Assisted living provides a balance of independence and support.

Question 10

What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted-living facility?

Answer 10

• Assisted-living facilities: They are generally for more independent patients.
• Nursing homes: They are generally for patients who require more intensive care.

Patients who are not able to complete their activities of daily life (ADLs) may transition from assisted-living care into a nursing home.

Question 11

True or False:

A long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) provides extended hospital-level care.

Answer 11

True

LTACHs serve patients needing prolonged medical treatment.

Question 12

Define:

a resident

Answer 12

A patient who is receiving assistance in a long-term care setting.

These patients are considered short-term if they require care for less than 6 months, or long-term if they require care for more than 6 months.

Some residents may stay permanently due to chronic conditions.

Question 13

Define:

inpatient care

Answer 13

Care given to patients who stay at least one night in the hospital.

This kind of care can be unplanned or planned.

Examples include childbirth, heart attack, breaking a bone, or surgery.

Question 14

Define:

outpatient care

Answer 14

Care given to patients who receive services and go home the same day.

This kind of care includes testing, screenings, same-day surgeries, or minor treatments.

Examples include mammograms, lasik eye surgery, or chemotherapy.

Question 15

What is hospice care?

Answer 15

Comfort-focused care for terminally ill patients.

Hospice care prioritizes quality of life rather than curative treatments.

Question 16

Define:

home health care

Answer 16

Medical and personal care provided to patients in their homes.

Home health care is designed for patients who need assistance but prefer to remain at home.

Question 17

What is a major benefit of home healthcare services?

Answer 17

It allows patients to receive care in the comfort of their own home.

Home health care can include nursing, therapy, and personal care.

Question 18

What is the primary function of a rehabilitation facility?

Answer 18

Helping patients regain strength and function after illness or injury.

Rehabilitation services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Question 19

What type of healthcare setting is designed for newborns requiring medical attention?

Answer 19

Neonatal intensive care unit

(NICU)

NICUs specialize in caring for premature or ill newborns.

Question 20

Define:

palliative care

Answer 20

A type of care that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

Palliative care is used alongside curative treatments.

Question 21

How does an emergency room (ER) differ from urgent care?

Answer 21

• ERs: They handle life-threatening conditions.
• Urgent care: It treats minor illnesses and injuries.

ERs operate 24/7, while urgent care centers have set hours.

Question 22

What is the purpose of respite care?

Answer 22

To provide temporary relief for primary caregivers.

Respite care helps prevent caregiver burnout.

Question 23

List TWO examples of community health services.

Answer 23

1. Free clinics
2. Vaccination programs

Community health services provide medical care and prevention programs.

Question 24

What does telemedicine allow patients to do?

Answer 24

Consult with healthcare providers remotely via technology.

Telemedicine expands access to medical care.

Question 25

How does **managed care** work?

Answer 25

It **coordinates patient care** to control costs and improve efficiency. ## Footnote Health management organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organization (PPOs) are common types of managed care.

Question 26

What is a **health maintenance organization**? | (HMO)

Answer 26

A managed care plan that requires members to **use a specific network of providers**. ## Footnote HMOs typically require referrals for specialists.

Question 27

List THREE areas of focus of **primary care providers**?

Answer 27

1. Preventive care 1. Early detection 1. Routine checkups ## Footnote Primary care helps maintain overall health.

Question 28

# Fill in the blank: The \_\_\_\_\_\_ system **determines patient charges** based on medical diagnoses.

Answer 28

diagnosis-related group | (**DRG**) ## Footnote DRGs standardize hospital billing.

Question 29

What is the role of a **discharge planner**?

Answer 29

Helping patients **transition from hospital** to home or another facility. ## Footnote Discharge planning ensures continuity of care.

Question 30

What does a **public health department** do?

Answer 30

**Promotes community health** through education and disease prevention programs. ## Footnote Public health departments monitor and control outbreaks.

Question 31

What are the TWO main types of **hospital ownership**?

Answer 31

1. Public 1. Private ## Footnote Public hospitals are government-funded, while private hospitals operate independently.

Question 32

How do **specialty** hospitals differ from **general** hospitals?

Answer 32

Speciality hospitals focus on treating **specific conditions** or patient groups. ## Footnote Examples include cancer centers and pediatric hospitals.

Question 33

What is the function of a **federally qualified health center**? | (FQHC)

Answer 33

To provide healthcare services to **underserved communities**. ## Footnote FQHCs receive government funding to support low-income patients.

Question 34

How do **accountable care organizations** improve patient care? | (ACOs)

Answer 34

By **coordinating care among different providers** to reduce costs and improve quality. ## Footnote ACOs focus on efficiency and outcomes.

Question 35

List TWO groups eligible for **Medicaid**.

Answer 35

1. Low-income individuals 1. People with disabilities ## Footnote Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. Medicaid programs vary by state.

Question 36

Who **qualifies** for Medicare?

Answer 36

1. Individuals 65 and older. 1. Younger individuals with disabilities. ## Footnote Medicare is a health insurance program funded by the federal government through payroll taxes.

Question 37

# True or False: Medicare Part A covers **hospital stays and hospice care**.

Answer 37

True ## Footnote Medicare Part A provides hospital and skilled nursing coverage.

Question 38

How do **private insurance plans differ** from government-funded programs?

Answer 38

* **Private insurance**: It is purchased individually or through employers. * **Government programs**: They assist specific populations. ## Footnote Most private insurance requires premiums and copayments.

Question 39

What does the **Affordable Care Act** aim to achieve? | (ACA)

Answer 39

* Expanding healthcare coverage. * Reducing costs. ## Footnote The ACA protects patients from unfair treatment by insurance companies and expands Medicaid. It prevents insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions.

Question 40

# True or False: OBRA was designed to **improve the quality of care** in nursing homes.

Answer 40

True ## Footnote The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) sets standards for nursing home care.

Question 41

What is **OSHA’s role** in healthcare systems?

Answer 41

**Ensuring**: * Workplace safety. * Health regulations for healthcare workers. ## Footnote OSHA protects workers from hazards like infections and injuries.