WGU D391:Healthcare Ecosystems Study Guide | 2026 correct questions and answers

WGU D391 – Healthcare Ecosystems Study Guide

Course Focus

This course covers how healthcare systems function, how different
stakeholders interact, healthcare delivery models, policy, finance, quality
improvement, and patient-centered care.



1. U.S. Healthcare System Overview

What is a Healthcare Ecosystem?

The network of organizations, people, resources, and policies involved in
delivering healthcare services.

Major Components:

 Providers

 Patients

 Payers

 Government agencies

 Pharmaceutical companies

 Technology systems

 Public health organizations



2. Key Stakeholders

Providers

Entities delivering care:

 Hospitals

 Physicians

 Nurses

 Clinics

 Long-term care facilities

Payers

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, Organizations paying for healthcare:

 Private insurance

 Employers

 Government programs

Patients

Consumers receiving healthcare services.

Regulators

Ensure compliance, safety, laws.

Examples:

 CMS

 CDC

 FDA

 OSHA

 Joint Commission



3. Types of Healthcare Delivery

Primary Care

First point of contact.

Examples:

 Family medicine

 Pediatrics

 Internal medicine

Secondary Care

Specialized care via referral.

Examples:

 Cardiologist

 Dermatologist

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