The health care system in the United States can be intricate and confusing. By understanding some of the factors that affect the care you receive and knowing how to navigate the increasingly complex health care system, you can make better decisions and ultimately receive better care.
Traditional Health Care vs. Managed Care Historically, the United States health care system consisted of a large number of independent health care providers who owned their own practices. These were either solo practices or joint practices owned by multiple physicians who practiced together in a group setting. In addition, most communities had independent, not-for-profit hospitals.
