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Healthcare Industry
The health care industry includes establishments ranging from
small-town private practices of physicians who employ only one
medical assistant to busy inner-city hospitals that provide
thousands of diverse jobs. In 2006, almost half of non-hospital
health care establishments employed fewer than five workers (chart
1). By contrast, 7 out of 10 hospital employees were in
establishments with more than 1,000 workers
Hospitals. Hospitals provide complete medical care, ranging from
diagnostic services, to surgery, to continuous nursing care. Some
hospitals specialize in treatment of the mentally ill, cancer
patients, or children. Hospital-based care may be on an inpatient
(overnight) or outpatient basis. The mix of workers needed varies,
depending on the size, geographic location, goals, philosophy,
funding, organization, and management style of the institution. As
hospitals work to improve efficiency, care continues to shift from
an inpatient to outpatient basis whenever possible. Many hospitals
have expanded into long-term and home health care services,
providing a wide range of care for the communities they serve.
Nursing and residential care facilities. Nursing care facilities
provide inpatient nursing, rehabilitation, and health-related
personal care to those who need continuous nursing care, but do
not require hospital services. Nursing aides provide the vast
majority of direct care. Other facilities, such as convalescent
homes, help patients who need less assistance. Residential care
facilities provide around-the-clock social and personal care to
children, the elderly, and others who have limited ability to care
for themselves. Workers care for residents of assisted-living
facilities, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, group homes,
and halfway houses. Nursing and medical care, however, are not the
main functions of establishments providing residential care, as
they are in nursing care facilities.
Offices of physicians. About 37 percent of all health care
establishments fall into this industry segment. Physicians and
surgeons practice privately or in groups of practitioners who have
the same or different specialties. Many physicians and surgeons
prefer to join group practices because they afford backup
coverage, reduce overhead expenses, and facilitate consultation
with peers. Physicians and surgeons are increasingly working as
salaried employees of group medical practices, clinics, or
integrated health systems.
Healthcare Industry Reference
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