This comprehensive, analytical examination of the US health care system, uses sociological theory and insight to help students understand the current state of health and medicine in social context. There are expanded chapters on social issues in ageing, death, and dying and mental illness, and a new chapter on alternative care providers, such as osteopaths, homeopaths and midwives. The text is completely updated to include new research and current statistics, and an extensive bibliography. This book should be of interest to degree and diploma students on courses examining health and illness, and the health care system in a social context.