Health / Unit 9: Growth, Development and Community Health
9.4 The Health Care System
Notes
The health care system includes people, places and services that keep us healthy.
- Primary care providers (family doctors, pediatricians, nurse practitioners) provide checkups, vaccines and treat common illnesses.
- Specialists focus on one area, such as cardiologists (heart), dermatologists (skin) and dentists.
- Urgent care treats problems that are not life-threatening but need quick attention. Emergency rooms treat life-threatening problems.
- Public health clinics and school nurses offer low-cost or free services.
- Health insurance helps pay for care. Some plans are through employers, and others are public programs such as Medicaid and CHIP (for children and teens in families with limited income).
- Patient rights include privacy of your health information and the right to ask questions and understand your care. Minors can often receive some confidential services, depending on the state.
- Prepare for visits by writing down symptoms and questions, and bring a medication list.
Practice
A student twists an ankle badly but is breathing fine and alert. Which place fits best if their doctor is closed?
Urgent care handles problems that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening.
Who usually provides routine checkups and vaccines?
Primary care providers handle regular care.
What is the main purpose of health insurance?
Insurance covers part of the cost of care.
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