Health Economics

Course aim

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of economic theory and analytical techniques relevant to allocating resources in the health care sector and to provided a clearer focus on the central economic issues important to the financing and delivery of health care

Course content

An introduction to the economics of health care, economics and health care markets demand and supply analysis; special characteristics of health care in economic analysis; health care and public policy; financing of health care – health insurance, economics of health reform, international comparison of health reforms; future direction of health reforms. Economic evaluation of health care programs – cost effectiveness, cost benefit and cost utility analysis (QALYS); priority setting and needs assessment in health care. Empirical studies and international comparisons. Selected issues in health economics – equity in health care, risk-adjusted capitation funding; provider reimbursement methods; pay for performance; single fund-holding and managed competition.

Textbook(s)

Santerre, R and Neun, B 2006, Health Economics: Theory and isight and industry studies, Health Administration Press

Rice, T 2009, The Economics of Health Revisited, 3rd edn, Health Administration Press

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Written Assignment

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 3)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.