While the economics of the health care industry appear different from other industries, the behaviors and outcomes are to a great extent the result of incentives faced by individuals and organizations, in combination with some form of competition and, of course, a large degree of regulation. This course will equip students with a knowledge of health economics that enables them to understand the current state of affairs; to foresee likely effects of policy changes; and to incorporate sound economic analysis in their role as managers. Likely topics to be covered include: costs and pricing; industry consolidation both vertical and horizontal; economics of risk pooling and insurance markets, especially adverse selection and moral hazard; and incentive effects of different payor and financing systems.
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