Making Sense of the U.S. Healthcare System and Medications People Take
PMCY 3600E
3 hours
Making Sense of the U.S. Healthcare System and Medications People Take
Course Description
Introduction to the United States (U.S.) healthcare system and insight into the world of prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications most commonly used in the U.S. The primary objectives are to provide an overall basic framework of understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and recognize the commonly prescribed medications used.
Athena Title
US Healthcare System
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Pre or Corequisite
BIOL 1108 or BIOL 2108H
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to explain how healthcare is different to other commodities.
Students will be able to describe and discuss the organization and financing of medical care services and access to medications (e.g., managed care) in the United States.
Students will be able to explain the role of providers within the United States healthcare system.
Students will be able to compare the United States healthcare system to other countries.
Students will be able to compare and contrast various healthcare plans (insurance, Medicare, Medicaid).
Students will be able to explain major changes to the United States healthcare system (e.g., ACA) and attributes of the consumer.
Students will be able to describe common laboratory values and what they measure.
Students will be able to identify common medical terminology and abbreviations.
Students will be able to explain common medications used in different disease states (e.g., indication, how medication works, common side effects, boxed warning, special notes).
Students will be able to demonstrate professionalism in actions and communications.
Students will be able to demonstrate self-direction in completing assignments.
Topical Outline
• Introduction to US healthcare topics
o Healthcare overview
o Public health
o Health insurance
o Health literacy
o Drug monographs
o Hospital system
o Healthcare personnel
o Managed care
o Pharmacy benefits manager
o Pharmaceutical industry
o Burnout in healthcare
o Pharmaceuticals Supply/Deman chain
o International comparisons in healthcare
o Long term care
o Medicaid
o Medicare
o Healthcare reform
• Medications
o Laboratory values (importance for medication targets)
o Drug metabolism and excretion (importance for drug elimination)
o Over the Counter
o Endocrinology
o Hypertension
o Hyperlipidemia
o Asthma/COPD
o Anticoagulation
o Men/Women Health
o GI/Urinary
o Neurology
o Psychiatry
o Pain
o Antibiotic
o Antifungal
o Adult Vaccines
