9: Health Professionals and Healthcare Systems

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Page ID: 225246

Fabiane Morales
Coastline College

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Health professionals and the healthcare systems are the backbone of public health, moving beyond individual patient care to address the physical, social, and environmental factors that affect entire populations. Health professionals are essential to maintaining the health, resilience, and safety of individuals and communities.

In the following pages, we will discuss how they relate to public health.

9.1: Health Professionals
This page outlines the significance of the health care industry for community well-being, employing over 17 million people in the U.S. It highlights key health professionals, accreditation for quality assurance, and credentialing for validating qualifications. With around one million physicians and 4.7 million nurses, the field is growing, particularly in advanced roles like the DNP. Clinicians prioritize patient care improvements and are essential in various levels of health care.
9.2: Healthcare Institutions
This page outlines the classification of healthcare institutions into inpatient and outpatient facilities. Inpatient facilities, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, provide extended care for various patient needs, especially the elderly and those with substance use disorders. Outpatient facilities allow patients to receive services like check-ups and surgeries without overnight stays.
9.3: Healthcare Systems
This page outlines the unique aspects of the U.S. healthcare system, including its reliance on Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance rather than a universal model. In 2023, healthcare spending was $4.9 trillion with 9.5% uninsured, despite efforts like the Affordable Care Act to reduce this number. The upcoming One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025 may further complicate access and increase uninsured rates among low-income individuals and specific immigrant groups.

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