Assignment 1: U.S. Health Care System
Joshua D. Goldsmith
Dr. Queensberry
HSA 500
October 28, 2013

The U.S. health care system has evolved greatly over time. Beginning in the early 1900s, the American Medical Association became a national advocate for health care services. Medicine became more organized. Our health services system today is a result of our economic history and social status. America has strong beliefs about taking care of its citizens and delivering health care to all. Factors over time have molded our health care system into what it is today. Forces that have affected the development of the U.S. health care system are changing demographics, availability of services and service providers, and policy changes. Since before the 1900s, public health was the dominant target of the health care system. Epidemics of acute infections spread quickly through large populations. Citizens were living in poor conditions in which food, water, and housing were compromised. As these conditions became under control, life expectancy increased. The population grew as a result of infectious disease control and prevention. The number of persons 65 years of age or older has increased over the past years. The focus of the health care system has turned from infectious disease control and public health to the treatment of chronic conditions. Treatment for functional limitation and chronic conditions are more likely. Chronic conditions include diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. The elderly tend to use more hospital services and prescription medicines (Bernstein et al.2003, p.8). More medical procedures are required by the elderly. The aging population has greatly affected the development of the U.S. healthcare system by driving up cost due to the requirement of more care and providers being needed. There is a growing shortage of health care workers