Characteristics of the US Healthcare System The US healthcare system is one of the most expensive systems in the world, but is known to be disorganized and chaotic compared to other countries (Barton, 2010). This factor is attributed to numerous characteristics that define what the US system is made up of. Two of the main indicators are imperfect market conditions and demand for new technologies (Barton, 2010). The healthcare system has been described as a free market in retrospect to its governmental authority (Shi & Singh, 2012). However, public and private entities represent the controlling element in business today. Free markets allow patients to choose providers without prior approval from insurance companies. The current system offers a limited plan of doctors in exchange for payment for services. Since the potential has been given to payers, they regulate the cost of services rendered through contractual reimbursement determinations. As a result, camaraderie among physicians has developed into a more aggressive approach to prevent competition (Shi & Singh, 2012). Little information is shared with patients regarding procedures or disease control. Individuals are forced to rely on the Internet for information about the extent of their illnesses (Shi & Singh, 2012). Additionally, the U.S. healthcare system fails to provide adequate knowledge about billing strategies for operations and other medical practices. The cost in a free system is based on supply and demand and is known before hospital admission (Shi & Singh, 2012). The need for new technologies is another interesting feature when considering the healthcare system. Technology is often at the center of implications that enable opportunities for change. One of the assumptions concerns training and personnel (Shi & Singh, 2012). As healthcare improvements are utilized, staff will need additional instruction on how the equipment performs and how to efficiently achieve desired outcomes. Managers or supervisors recognize the need for additional staff and training to optimize patient satisfaction and quality of care. The healthcare administrator must also focus on changes in insurance policies and rules governing the provision of medical care (Shi & Singh, 2012). Works Cited Barton, P. L. (2010). Understand the US health care system. (4th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. Shi, L., & Singh, D. (2012). Providing health care in America: A systems approach. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.