3.0

Average Course Rating

In health care markets, uncertainty and information asymmetries are pervasive problems, which have profound impacts on the health of individuals and populations, and the costs of the health care system. This course uses economic models and methods to understand how these problems affect treatment decisions and therefore health outcomes and costs. We will focus on models that clarify the misaligned incentives among patients, providers, and payers, and on recent research that provides evidence of these problems in specific areas of care and suggests potential solutions. Students will develop an original research project that examines these issues in detail in a specific context, using a mix of data, simulations, and theoretical analysis. Recommended Course Background: AS.180.289 for understanding of the US health care system and AS.180.334 for econometric methods (could be taken concurrently).