ECON 333-01, Health Economics, Fall 2004

Abstract

This is a course in Health Economics that applies the tools of Microeconomic Theory to examine the market behavior of consumers and firms in the health care sector. The focus is on analyzing the economic fundamentals behind the actions and reactions of the players in the health care market. The emphasis will be on acquiring a tool kit that will enable a structured and analytical examination of the issues rather than a review of the issues per se. On the demand side the course will analyze the economic factors affecting medical care utilization. The role of health insurance will be explored in detail. The course will examine the supply of health insurance and the rising costs of medical care. The growth of the managed care industry will be studied, as will the economic issues underlying the operation and performance of hospitals and group practices. In conclusion the role of the physician will be analyzed through an economic lens. The course will also analyze the reasons the health care industry is susceptible to so much regulation and the consequences of that regulation.