Drawing from the perspectives of a variety of disciplines, this innovative text is unlike any others of its kind. Health Policy Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Second Edition analyzes current U.S. health policy and proposes various alternatives for developing future health policy without pushing a single solution set-rather, it considers the viewpoints of economics, political science, management, communications, technology, and public health. Organized into three sections, this unique text first explores the current and historical issues with the U.S. healthcare system and considers the alternatives for future policy that have strong support. It then reviews the political processes that influence planning in various healthcare settings; presents the accepted methods of economic and financial analysis; and addresses the ethical and other value considerations that must enter into the health policy process. Finally, it takes a look at the roles, skills, and leadership that health professionals can bring to the policy making process in their local and national communities. The Second Edition offers: * An expansive new look at the Affordable Care Act woven throughout Chapters 1-5 * New chapter on evidence-based medicine. * Greater emphasis and focus on the learning health system as well as cost and outcomes, in light of the shrinking crisis of the uninsured. * All new cases in each chapter.