This comprehensive review provides new insights into the nation's health care system, and covers the full spectrum of health care services. It identifies up-to-the-minute trAnds and analyzes options for future policymaking in the wake of diminishing public confidence in past health reform initiatives.

The authors--all recognized as top researchers in the field--draw on their own investigations to address timely topics such as AIDS, women's health, long-term care, and prevention. In addition, they examine important issues including ethics, cost, quality, and access, and tackle controversial subjects such as malpractice, and regulated versus competitive systems.