Orientation to Health Care 2024

On-demand course available for 30 days from date of first log in.

The U.S. health care delivery system is vast and always changing. Understanding its size, scope, and complexity can help improve the performance of anyone who works in health care. In this health care 101 course, you will learn how to better navigate your own system/organization, gain a general comprehension of the language of health care (and its many acronyms), and get an overview on the health care landscape. This course is intended for those who may have recently moved into health care from an outside field or may just want an update on the U.S. health care system.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the major structural elements of the American health care system
• Determine the key drivers of the health care system
• Identify the health care system's major groups and their key characteristics
• Understand the relationship among the key players in the health care system
• Understand some economic fundamentals of the health care system

The first webinar will be focused on providing key content around that specific topic, and the second webinar is intended for short, informal Q&A. Faculty will present on the following four key areas of the health care system, including their key characteristics, challenges and future impact on health care:

Module 1: Hospitals and Post-Acute Care Facilities

Speaker: Alan Shoebridge

Explore the complexities of hospital operations and the future of health care facilities. This module emphasizes understanding hospital jargon and the critical nature of work in health care.

Module 2: The Health Care Consumer

Speakers: Ruth Portacci and Yelena Bouaziz

Explore the broad topic of consumerism within health care, segmented into the consumer landscape and population segments, research tools for deeper consumer understanding, and digital engagement tactics. This module is designed to provide ample discussion opportunities for participants to consider their organization's consumer engagement strategies.

Module 3: Physicians

Speakers: Susan Boydell and George Daneker

Focuses on the role of physicians in health care systems, their career path, thought processes, priorities, and the future of the profession.

Module 4: Insurers/Managed Care Organizations

Speaker: Tina Ervin

This module aims to enhance your understanding of the complex health care field, focusing on the payer landscape and the interaction between payers, providers, and consumers. It also offers insights into the various reimbursement models that compensate providers.

Module 5: The Impact of Private Equity

Speaker: Paul Keckley

Features Paul Keckley, a Health Care Economist and Policy Expert, discussing private equity's role in the health care sector, including its policy implications.

Marketing and Communications Elective

Speakers: Alan Shoebridge and Don Stanziano

All live webinars are recorded and available to access. Successful completion of all course requirements will result in a SHSMD Digital Badge that you can share on your social and professional profiles!