Back to Introduction to Healthcare
Stanford University

Introduction to Healthcare

Solving the problems and challenges within the U.S. healthcare system requires a deep understanding of how the system works. Successful solutions and strategies must take into account the realities of the current system. This course explores the fundamentals of the U.S. healthcare system. It will introduce the principal institutions and participants in healthcare systems, explain what they do, and discuss the interactions between them. The course will cover physician practices, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and insurance and financing arrangements. We will also discuss the challenges of healthcare cost management, quality of care, and access to care. While the course focuses on the U.S. healthcare system, we will also refer to healthcare systems in other developed countries. In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Visit the FAQs below for important information regarding 1) Date of the original release and expiration date; 2) Accreditation and Credit Designation statements; 3) Disclosure of financial relationships for every person in control of activity content.

Status: Managed Care
Status: Medicaid
BeginnerCourse12 hours

Featured reviews

KG

5.0Reviewed Mar 28, 2023

Easy to understand overview of the key players and themes in the healthcare system. Useful for an individual considering pursuing studies and a career in the healthcare field.

AJ

5.0Reviewed Jun 9, 2021

This course was on point with the direct information, no fluff, and good quiz evals to understand the concept of the information being presented. I will def recommend this to my peers

JJ

5.0Reviewed Aug 14, 2023

Would like to thank Prof Laurence Baker for the excellent course material which he used to introduce me to Healthcare, particularly from the perspective of the United States and the

JJ

5.0Reviewed Sep 2, 2020

Very informative, detailed and clear. I learn some new things about billing and the hospital system. A good refresher course to tell where we are with AI and where we need to go for our patients.

HM

5.0Reviewed Mar 6, 2025

a thorough overview of the health care system and payment system in the US. In addition, the discussion about the potential benefits and harms of AI in healthcare is very informative.

KS

5.0Reviewed Aug 24, 2020

An excellent course for getting a comprehensive knowledge about vital components of US (and global) healthcare system, challenges and opportunities through AI and HC data. Many thanks!

BA

5.0Reviewed Dec 20, 2020

Outstanding course content and operating platform! Tremendous learning provided by the outstanding and world-class Stanford faculty! Thanks Stanford, very well done!

AD

5.0Reviewed Feb 1, 2021

For a Canadian healthcare worker who is not familiar with US healthcare or terminology this course was very beneficial. Course layout was organized. Highly recommended.

PP

5.0Reviewed Jun 14, 2025

A great starting point for the beginner that is interested in the financial aspects of the US healthcare system and what could be improved upon with the use of AI

QT

5.0Reviewed Jun 24, 2025

Great overview on the US healthcare with a neatly presentation breaking down on the various actors and influencers of the system (patients, providers, insurers, government).

AB

5.0Reviewed Dec 6, 2023

It was very informative about how the patients, providers, and the intermediaries interact, what challenges they face, and the available solutions to tackle them.

NN

5.0Reviewed Oct 13, 2024

Intro to Healthcare covered the general yet important topics to understand the way heathcare is delivered especially in the US. The course was very informative and interesting.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 333

Krishna Balaram Singh
5.0
Reviewed Aug 25, 2020
Guangyu Dan
1.0
Reviewed Aug 14, 2021
Philip Lieberman
5.0
Reviewed Oct 14, 2020
Benjamin Vaughan
2.0
Reviewed Oct 8, 2020
Moiz Farooq
5.0
Reviewed May 11, 2021
Xin Shao
5.0
Reviewed Nov 8, 2020
jamie jefferson
5.0
Reviewed Sep 3, 2020
Yolanda Tabb
4.0
Reviewed Aug 6, 2022
Rozarina
5.0
Reviewed Aug 23, 2023
William Largen
2.0
Reviewed Nov 12, 2025
Kamini
1.0
Reviewed Sep 4, 2025
Yahya Indra Wijaya Asihanto
5.0
Reviewed Aug 1, 2023
Steve Ditto
5.0
Reviewed Aug 29, 2020
Noe Foster
5.0
Reviewed Sep 6, 2023
Eslam Elmamlouk
5.0
Reviewed Jul 2, 2022
Michael Cacchio
5.0
Reviewed May 23, 2023
MARTA PANERA
3.0
Reviewed Feb 10, 2024
Dennis Sinitsky
3.0
Reviewed Feb 24, 2025
Veda F
3.0
Reviewed Oct 19, 2023
Fawaz Saleh Albloui
3.0
Reviewed May 7, 2024