The healthcare provider landscape in the U.S. is vast and diverse, consisting of various institutions and professionals. Hospitals are a cornerstone of the healthcare system and employ a large portion of healthcare workers, but other institutions such as nursing homes and home health agencies are also crucial. In recent years, new types of institutional providers such as urgent care centers and retail clinics have entered the landscape promising to offer accessible and convenient care. In this module, we will explore the role of healthcare professionals in patient care and the growing diversity in the healthcare workforce.

The consolidation of hospitals in the U.S. healthcare system has been a steady trend for at least the last 30 years. This development has generated considerable debate as to its impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in terms of cost, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services. More recently, hospitals and physicians have been integrating, which constitutes another important development in the U.S. healthcare industry. We will also discuss the innovative delivery models that are used to enhance clinical care coordination among providers and examine trends in how healthcare providers and services are organized.

The entry of retail companies into healthcare is a clear sign of a deficit in the U.S. healthcare system - the oversight of the patient or the consumer. Consumers face many challenges, such as long waiting times, limited office hours, confusing care delivery, and abysmal coordination of care among different providers. With the opportunity to capitalize on a movement for consumer-centered healthcare, retail companies may be able to offer affordable, accessible, convenient, and respectful healthcare services to meet the challenge. However, their success in healthcare will likely depend on execution and commitment to the long haul.In this module, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of these new healthcare entrants and what the future may hold for traditional healthcare providers. We will discuss the expanding decision-making role of consumers in regard to their healthcare choices and assess the growing opportunities for consumers to engage in self-care for their own health needs.