This course provides an important introduction and overview to the American health care system, including familiarization with most actors & organizations comprising our broader health care systems. The course begins with a comparison to other nations’ health care systems and utilize an internal critique to understand and address issues within the American health system including, but not limited to public health issues, quality and cost of care, ongoing innovation in medicine and medical education, payment mechanisms, consumer behavior, the legal and regulatory framework, and emergency preparedness. It then articulates the demographic challenges ahead as well as their impact on both household and federal finances. It then provides students with an overview of the various methods and parties used to pay for health care as well as the massive and at times unnecessary complexity that imposes unparalleled burdens on physicians, other providers, and on health care delivery organizations. The course will also explore the impact of new technologies across the entire continuum of care – focusing on transitions and care in the home. It concludes with some coverage of both the opportunities and threats posed by rapid technology advancement.