HCS 490 Health Care Consumer

HCS 490 Health Care Consumer is a course that focuses on the role of consumers in the health care industry. It covers topics such as health care delivery systems, health care policy and regulation, health care economics, health care quality and safety, and patient advocacy.

Students in this course may learn about the following topics:

1. Health care delivery systems: Students learn about the different types of health care delivery systems, including primary care, specialty care, and long-term care. They also learn about the different settings in which health care is delivered, such as hospitals, clinics, and home health care.
2. Health care policy and regulation: Students learn about the laws and regulations that govern the health care industry, such as the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA, and the FDA. They also learn about the role of government agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in regulating health care.
3. Health care economics: Students learn about the economic factors that influence the health care industry, such as supply and demand, cost of care, and health insurance. They also learn about the different types of health care payment systems, such as fee-for-service, capitation, and value-based care.
4. Health care quality and safety: Students learn about the importance of quality and safety in health care, and the different strategies that are used to improve patient outcomes. They also learn about the different organizations that monitor and report on health care quality and safety, such as the Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum.
5. Patient advocacy: Students learn about the importance of patient advocacy in health care, and the different ways that patients can advocate for themselves and others. They also learn about the role of patient advocacy organizations, such as the Patient Advocate Foundation and the National Patient Safety Foundation.

Overall, HCS 490 Health Care Consumer is a course that provides students with a broad understanding of the health care industry from the perspective of the consumer. It is a foundational course for students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care management, health policy, or patient advocacy.