What makes the U.S. health care delivery system unique? What are the strengths of this vast system, and what are the limitations? How have the philosophical, economic, political, and cultural influences of this nation shaped health care delivery?

Review the Learning Resources, and think about the characteristics of the U.S. health care delivery system with the following questions in mind:

•What are the key components of the U.S. health care system?

•Have the components changed as a result of the Affordable Care Act?

•How are these components organized?

•How do the interests, concerns, or foci of these multiple components intersect with and/or differ with one another?

•How have philosophical, economic, political, and cultural influences helped shape this system as it is today?

•Describe two or more defining characteristics of the U.S. system that you believe are particularly important when considering the delivery of health care in this country. Explain why.

•Articulate how these defining characteristics reflect philosophical, economic, political, and/or cultural influences particular to the United States.

•Describe potential implications of these characteristics and how they affect health care administrators, including opportunities for change within health care organizations or the delivery system.