Health Economics and Finance

Catalog description

Course covers micro- and macro-economic theory applied within the healthcare sector. A flow of funds approach explores finances in healthcare transactions and incentives. Historical development of third party reimbursement, healthcare financial structures and mechanisms, individual health, and public health factors affecting the delivery system, payment system, and supply/demand system is followed by a wider macroeconomic review to explore factors of change within the healthcare system. National health spending and the role of government and regulators in public and private health is explored by case study and contemporary readings. The health of individuals and the health of groups is studied in terms of cost, economic, ethical, and socioeconomic disparities, and in non-Western countries. The course aims to make the language of healthcare finance and economics understandable and relevant for students in healthcare professions. prereq: junior or senior standing, or PUBH 2561