An overview of the evolution of managed care, including its structure and function, payment incentives, relation to the market, physicians, public programs, public policy, and ethical issues. Health care reimbursement policies and related accounting principles, financial principles, and tools employed to manage finance in a health service organization are a major focus. Students apply the knowledge gained to practice situations in health care settings through simulations and case studies to better understand the theories and concepts and to gain an appreciation of the value of financial management in health care decision making. This course introduces the student to principles, processes, and systems of risk management in health services organizations. Activities and functions of health care practitioners and managers that are intended to reduce losses associated with clients, employees, property, or other sources of potential organizational liability are addressed.
Special emphasis is placed on the role and function of regulatory agencies in risk management.
Federal and state laws governing health service organizations and their impact upon the organizations risk management policies are also discussed. Under the supervision of a community health services administrator preceptor, the student gains practical experience and applies knowledge gained in the health services administration core. Selected projects are jointly decided by the faculty, preceptor, and student. May be waived for an upper division elective with at least three years of documented health services administration employment with supervisory responsibilities. The following are sample electives.