ECN 390 The Economics of Health Care (3 credits)

Discussion of the efficiency problems of the health care delivery system in the United States. The emphasis is on demand and supply conditions as they relate separately to physicians’ services and to hospitals, and on the special role of third parties, including government and private insurance carriers. The prospects for a comprehensive national health insurance program are evaluated. Other topics include the economic effects of licensing and other regulatory aspects of the health care industry, including the powers of the American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration and the economic aspects of malpractice.

Prerequisite: ECN 101