Healthcare Economics ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the complex economic forces, dynamics and challenges of healthcare, an industry in a continuous state of flux. Specifically, this course applies microeconomic theory to analyze the healthcare market from the perspectives of those who demand and supply healthcare. We will also analyze the market for physicians and hospital services, as well as the pharmaceutical industry and other related industries. The structure and performance of the US healthcare system will also be compared to that of other countries. Discussion of empirical studies, current policy debates, and the relevance and limits of the economic approach will be emphasized.