The healthcare industry, frequently referred to as the medical industry, is concerned with preventative, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care. Aside from medical personnel such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics, this industry includes companies offering medical billing services, medical records maintenance, and products such as prescription medication, supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications.
Healthcare, health-care, and health care are often used interchangeably. However, the hyphen is unnecessary in health-care unless used as an adjective in the MLA style, while healthcare and health care are correct spellings with different definitions.
The definition of healthcare is a system that offers medical care, while health care is the effort made by trained professionals to provide that care. Healthcare is a closed compound word that refers to the business, institution, or form of activity offering medical services, although it can also mean the set of medical services that an organization or country provides. In general, healthcare is broader than health care because it includes both the activity and the system, although it does not involve the individuals or groups that deliver medical care.
The efforts made by trained and licensed professionals to maintain or restore well-being is the definition of health care.
However, healthcare has slightly different meanings for the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, depending on the part of speech. Health care is more commonly used in the United States and Canada, while healthcare is used more often in the United Kingdom. The use of health care to refer to the system or the organization is a misunderstanding when used by Americans or Canadians. Because health care is not an adjective, the health care industry is improper in the US and Canada, while used in the UK.
Healthcare is both a noun and an adjective.
Nevertheless, both healthcare and health care would be appropriate topics for this portion of our web guide.
Healthcare is provided by a wide variety of health professionals and allied health fields. Athletic training, audiology, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, psychology, and other health professions are part of the healthcare system, which includes primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and public health.
Primary care refers to the work of health professionals who serve as the first point of contact for patients. This may include primary care physicians, who may be general practitioners or family physicians, as well as physiotherapists, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners.
Secondary care includes acute care, or treatment provided for a short time for an injury, illness, or other health condition. Secondary care may take place in a hospital or acute care facility, although some secondary care providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and most dental professionals, see patients in their offices or clinics.
Tertiary care refers to specialized consultative health care, such as inpatient care, referral hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and surgical facilities.
Quaternary care is an extension of tertiary care involving highly specialized care, such as experimental medicine or uncommon diagnostic or surgical procedures.
Many types of health care treatments are provided outside of health facilities. These may include needle-exchange programs, addiction recovery centers, recovery coaching, and a variety of home care services.
Medicine is the science and practice of caring for a patient, and includes managing the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatment, palliation of the patient's injury or disease, and promoting health. The medical system includes many of the same professions involved in the healthcare industry, and others who weren't mentioned. Examples include anesthesiologists, bioengineers, cardiovascular technologists, chiropractors, cytotechnologists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dentists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dieticians, EMTs and paramedics, gastroenterologists, geriatricians, massage therapists, medical physicists, nephrologists, nurses, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, opticians, optometrists, orthoptists, pathologists, pathologists' assistants, pediatricians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, physical therapists, physicians, physician assistants, physiotherapists, podiatrists, radiation therapists, radiographers, recreational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, surgeons, surgeon's assistants, surgical technologists, veterinarians veterinary technologists, veterinary technicians, and others.
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Recommended Resources
Representing more than 40,000 neurologists and neuroscientists, the medical specialty society was established in 1948 to advance the art and science of neurology. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the AAN has a health policy office in Washington, D.C. Its membership classes, requirements, member directory, and career center are featured, along with its educational and research resources, advocacy activities, and materials for practicing and academic neurologists are included.
https://www.aan.com/
American College of Cardiology
The non-profit medical association is based in Washington, D.C. Formed in 1949, the ACC confers credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its qualifications. With education as a core component, it is also active in the formulation of health policy and the support of cardiovascular research. Member sections, a member directory, member connections, and access to the JACC Journal are included, along with clinical topics, cardiology news, meeting schedules, and meeting schedules.
https://www.acc.org/
The AMA is a professional association of physicians and medical students. Founded in 1847, the organization lobbies for the medical industry, and publishes the Journal of the American Medical Association and a list of Physician Speciality Codes, which serve as the method for identifying physician and practice specialties in the United States. Its healthcare advocacy, practice management, and educational programs are highlighted, and AMA physician profiles are included.
https://www.ama-assn.org/
American Society of Clinical Oncology
The ASCO is a professional organization comprising physicians in oncology and its subspecialties, who care for people with cancer. Founded in 1964, ASCO is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, with nearly 45,000 members worldwide. It publishes several journals, books, newsletters, and online resources, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, JCO Oncology Practice, JCO Global Oncology, and JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics. Research, data, and career development data are posted.
https://asco.org/
Established in 2003, Anesthesia Tools is a traditional, supplier-based company that offers the sale of products online and offline, carrying leading brands of anesthesia equipment and disposables, including patient monitors, anesthesia systems, breathing circuits, facemasks, laryngoscopes, oral airways, intubation aids, resuscitation bags, ventilators, and oxygen monitors and sensors. Its online store offers a simplified procurement process and 24/7 access, and its site suggests lower prices.
https://www.anesthesiatools.com/
Providing clinical trial information to professionals working at sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), research sites, and niche service providers since 1994, Center Watch offers reports through its newsletters, conferences, webinars, books, in-depth market surveys, industry profiles, and clinical databases. Clinical trial listings, general information about clinical research, volunteering for clinical trials, and consent issues are provided. Contacts are included.
https://www.centerwatch.com/
Specializing in IT services and consulting for the healthcare market, Claricode provides custom healthcare and medical software development and services, including custom healthcare software for startup companies to those serving millions of patients per year. The company designs, develops, deploys, and supports its medical applications, such as telemedicine, medical device software, healthcare integration, medical billing software, clinical decision support, and medical coding.
https://www.claricode.com/
Manufactured and marketed by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, Colgate is an American brand of oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, dental floss, prescription products, and specialty products. Founded in 1806 as a soap manufacturer, the company first began selling oral hygiene products in 1873. Its products and brands are highlighted, and several other resources, such as classroom kits, and mobile dental vans are introduced, and oral health information is included.
https://www.colgate.com/
In business since 1980, the environmental and public health consultant group is available to assist clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its epidemiological, foodborne illness investigation team includes former members of local, county, state, and federal regulatory agencies, as well as. staff of biologists, epidemiologists, and microbiologists. Its crisis management, epidemiology, food safety, public health, food packaging, and legal support services are outlined.
https://www.ehagroup.com/
Developing new methods of training, including online and blended emergency responder training, EU offers a wide array of medical preparedness training programs to first responders, including a line of online, blended, traditional, and video skills training programs, training center partnerships around the world, and certifications that can be validated by employers, executive protection training courses, AED courses, and software applications, which are highlighted here.
https://www.emergencyuniversity.com/
Marketed by Athena Health, Epocrates is a mobile medical reference application that provides clinical reference information on drugs, diseases, diagnostics, and patient management. It is available in two packages, a free and a premium version, with the paid version being a downloadable mobile app that includes disease information, infection disease treatments, herbs and supplements, and labs, as well as everything included in the free package, both of which are compared side-by-side.
https://www.epocrates.com/
The Everyday Health Group is a division of Ziff Davis, specializing in patient and provider data and analytics, evidence-based health information, resources, interactive tools, advice, and connections to guided and specialized care and programs from leading healthcare providers and patient advocates. Its marketing platforms, leadership team, group values, news, and career opportunities are featured on the site, and job applications are available online.
https://www.everydayhealthgroup.com/
Publishing medical transcription education products since 1985, including its flagship SUM Program for Medical Transcription Training, a career development series of medical dictation units, medical transcription textbooks in workbook format, eligible for continuing education credits, and medical terminology books, which may be purchased online. Teacher resources are also available, along with sample dictation, current medical terminology, and a free weekly quiz and tip.
https://www.hpisum.com/
With its corporate headquarters in Libertyville, Illinois, the company has manufacturing and distribution centers on three continents. Incorporated in 1921, the company produces ostomy care products, continence care products, wound care products, and critical care products, which are described here. Healthcare professionals or individuals may sign up for a membership and receive free personalized support, as well as access to an electronic newsletter, and contacts.
https://www.hollister.com/
Launched in 1997, the Middletown, Pennsylvania company develops and manufactures aquatic therapy pools of several varieties and sizes, including several large pools, freestanding pools, plunge pools, custom solutions, and a model made for animals. Each of its products is described, with specifications, ordering information, and a live demo can be scheduled. The company's history, customer profiles, research data, a video library, how-to guides, a blog, and contacts.
https://www.hydroworx.com/
In 2001, Gary Hamilton founded Integrated Healthcare Solutions as a distributor and data-hosting partner for NextGen, developing a data aggregation platform in 2005, and expanding its development to enable the patient to have access to their aggregated clinical record in 2008, and launching its flagship product, Patient Portal, in 2010. Patient and family portals, platform capabilities, success stories, partners, contacts, and career opportunities are posted.
https://www.intelichart.com/
Founded in 2000 as the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number, the organization has since widened its scope beyond randomized controlled trials to include any study designed to assess the efficacy of health interventions in a human population. ISRCTN is a registry and curated database including the basic set of data items considered essential to describe a study at inception, as per the requirements of the World Health Organization and other guidelines.
https://www.isrctn.com/
Eli Lilly and Company is a US-based pharmaceutical company with offices in eighteen countries, and products sold in more than a hundred and twenty-five countries. Founded by Colonel Eli Lilly in 1876, the company is known for its clinical depression and antipsychotic drugs, although its main revenue is from diabetes medication. A profile of the company, company recognitions, its governance, and an annual report are featured, along with its research and products relating to science and medicine.
https://www.lilly.com/
The private non-profit American medical center offers integrated healthcare, education, and research, specializing in treating difficult cases through tertiary care and destination medicine. Investing heavily in research, the Mayo Clinic is headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota, with major campuses in Arizona and Florida, as well as several affiliated facilities. Its locations and contacts are posted, and informational resources for the public and medical professionals are included.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
The American company distributes pharmaceuticals and provides health information technology, medical supplies, and healthcare management tools. Based in Irving, Texas, the company was an early adopter of barcode scanning for distribution, RFID tags, and pharmacy robotics. Its pharmaceutical distribution services, wholesale medical supplies, pharmacy services and technology, solutions for specialty practices, and solutions for biopharmacology are set forth, and contacts are posted.
https://www.mckesson.com/
The medical device company's operational and executive headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while its legal headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Its products include insulin pump systems continuous glucose monitoring equipment, smart insulin pens, injection ports, and therapy management tools. Product support, Medtronic services, financial support programs, user guides and manuals are set forth, along with contact information, and educational articles.
https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/
Mountainside Medical Equipment
Mountainside is a certified service-disable veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) formed in 2002. Located in Marcy, in Central New York, the company supplies a wide variety of medical supplies, over-the-counter drugs, injection products, infusion therapy supplies, prescription products, respiratory supplies, testing kits, wound care supplies, and isolation supplies. An online catalog is available, and orders may be placed online. Vendor programs are discussed.
https://www.mountainside-medical.com/
An authorized 3M Littmann dealership in Westfield, New Jersey, the Littmann and several other brands of stethoscopes, including ADC, Cardionics, Eko, Heine, Thinklabs, Ultrascope, W.A. Baum, and Welch Allyn, as well as spare parts and cases. Diagnostic equipment, such as blood pressure devices, diagnostic sets, pulse oximeters, stethoscopes, and thermometers, are also offered, along with various tools and accessories. Learning resources and medical news is available in a blog.
https://www.mystethoscope.com/
Operated by the US government, the NLM is the largest medical library in the world. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, the library is an institute within the National Institutes of Health, and its collections include more than seven million books, journals, technical reports, manuscripts, microfilms, photographs, and images on medicine and related sciences. Its products, services, and resources for researchers, publishers, librarians, educators, healthcare professionals, and the public are featured.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/
Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Now one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Novartis was formed from the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz in 1996. Resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are offered, and its research programs, projects, collaborations, and locations are defined. Investor information includes financial data, share data and analysis, and shareholder information.
https://www.novartis.com/
The Georgia-based company creates medical illustrations and medical animations for the United States and worldwide pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and education markets. Founded in 1997, Nucleus has created more than 25,000 illustrations and 2,500 3D medical animations in the past twenty years. Its work is highlighted in videos, and its process is explained. An info packet on using 3D animations and scientific illustrations may be downloaded.
https://www.nucleusmedicalmedia.com/
Established as an extension of Newport Center Orthopedic, an orthopedic retail store, NuLife's online store offers home health products to families who are caring for aging parents. Specializing in medical garments, such as compression stockings, hernia products, lymphedema compression garments, and mastectomy products, NewLife Medical and Newport Center Orthopedic are located in Southern California. A product catalog, a sizing assistance guide, and a video library are featured.
https://www.nulifemedical.com/
Pfizer is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation headquartered in New York City. Formed in 1849, Pfizer produces medicines and vaccines for immunology, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology. Clinical trials and locations are announced, along with its areas of focus and innovation, a product list, information about its products, and an alphabetical list of distributors. Informational articles, podcasts, and e-books are included.
https://www.pfizer.com/
PLEXIS Healthcare Systems is a leading payer technology company that delivers trusted enterprise core administration and claims management solutions to healthcare payers and delivery systems around the globe. PLEXIS empowers the business of healthcare, igniting growth, innovation, and efficiencies across diverse business lines for payer organizations. Based in Ashland, Oregon, PLEXIS serves organizations doing business in all 50 states, in 15 countries, and over 70 million people worldwide.
https://www.plexishealth.com/
ProScan Imaging provides patients and referring physicians with diagnostic medical imaging and radiology interpretations, with 33 centers in 5 regions, including Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, and Ohio, and its team of fellowship and subspecialty-trained radiologists provide interpretations for every modality, including MRI, CT, PET, and Ultrasound. Center locations are listed, and appointments may be scheduled online. Client reviews are included.
https://proscan.com/
Quest is a provider of diagnostic information services, with headquarters in the United States and operations in India, Ireland, and Mexico. Lab testing locations may be found, and appointments scheduled online, and its US and international facilities and operations are defined. Investor and career opportunities are posted online, and information about its operations, services, and suppliers are included. Various tests may be purchased online, and results can be posted.
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/
Radiology Business Management Association
Founded with the support of the American College of Radiology in 1968, the RBMA is an industry organization made up of professionals who focus on the business of radiology, supporting diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology in the full spectrum of practice settings. The organization connects members to valuable information, education, and practice-related resources, and advocates on behalf of its industry members. Membership information is provided.
https://www.rbma.org/
Based in Audubon, Pennsylvania, ReMarx is an ACHC-accredited and Medicare-approved durable medical equipment provider specializing in pneumatic compression therapy, such as gradient compression devices and garment systems. Its products are highlighted, with descriptions, product features, physiological benefits, specifications, available downloads, photographs, and videos. Informational texts on lymphedema, venous problems, and clinical studies are included.
https://www.remarxservices.com/
Stryker Corporation is a US-based multinational medical technologies corporation headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Most of its products, which include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries, surgical equipment, surgical navigation systems, endoscopic and communications systems, and patient handling and emergency medical equipment, are marketed directly to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Its locations are listed on its portal page.
https://www.stryker.com/
Founded in 1998, WebMD is a US-based online publisher of news and information about human health and wellbeing, including a symptom checklist, pharmacy information, drug information, and blogs of physicians on specific topics, providing a place to store personal medical information. Physicians may be found by name, conditions, procedures, and location, and a form is available for physicians to request a listing. WebMD is financed by advertising, third-party contributions, and sponsors.
https://www.webmd.com/
Wharton Health Care Business Conference
WHCBC is an annual conference held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The WHCBC is the University of Pennsylvania's largest, student-led conference, and an industry forum for health industry professionals, academics, and students to meet and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Its leadership, agenda, speakers, sessions, logistics, and highlights from past conferences. Informational articles, digital archives, and past publications are featured.
https://www.whcbc.org/
The WHO is an agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO has six regional offices and one hundred and fifty field offices worldwide. Available in several languages, its site includes various health topics, data, information on worldwide emergencies, and reports of its work in various regions and countries around the world. Its leadership, partnerships, and collaborations are reported, and contacts are provided.
https://www.who.int/
Founded in 1927, and spun off from Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2001, the publicly traded medical device company is headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana. Originally known as Zimmer, the company took its current name in 2015 after it acquired Biomet, Inc. The company designs, develops, produces, and markets a wide variety of orthopedic products, and has operations in more than forty countries, selling its products in more than a hundred countries. Its products and educational programs are discussed.
https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/
Zimmer Biomet: Knee Replacement Products
Zimmer Biomet is an Indiana-based company with operations in several countries, and a leading company offering a comprehensive range of anatomic and innovative solutions for knee replacements. The company produces and provides total knee systems, partial knee systems, bicruciate preserving arthroplasty systems, and revision knee systems to surgeons. Its ROSA Knee System is a robotics system supporting surgeons in performing total knee arthroplasty.
https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/products-and-solutions/specialties/knee.html
