1. Introduction to Healthcare Economics: An overview of the key principles, concepts, and theories of healthcare economics, including supply and demand, cost analysis, market structures, and economic evaluation methods.
2. Healthcare Financing and Payment Systems: An examination of various healthcare financing models, including public and private insurance systems, Medicare and Medicaid, and alternative payment models. Students will learn about reimbursement mechanisms, fee schedules, and the financial aspects of healthcare delivery.
3. Health Policy and Regulation: A study of healthcare policy development and its impact on economic factors in the healthcare industry. Students will explore government regulations, policy interventions, and their influence on healthcare access, cost containment, and quality improvement.
4. Economic Evaluation in Healthcare: An exploration of economic evaluation methods used in healthcare, such as cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and cost-utility analysis. Students will learn how to assess the economic value of healthcare interventions and make informed decisions based on economic evidence.
5. Health Data Analysis and Decision-Making: An introduction to the analysis of healthcare data for economic decision-making. Students will learn statistical techniques, data interpretation, and modeling methods to evaluate healthcare outcomes, costs, and resource utilization.
6. Healthcare Market Dynamics: An examination of the economic forces and market dynamics that shape the healthcare industry. Topics include competition, market structure, pricing strategies, and the role of stakeholders in healthcare markets.
7. Health Equity and Access: A focus on the economic aspects of healthcare disparities and access to care. Students will explore the social determinants of health, healthcare inequalities, and policy interventions aimed at improving equity in healthcare delivery.
8. Healthcare Innovation and Technology: An overview of the economic implications of healthcare innovation and technological advancements. Students will examine the role of innovation in improving healthcare outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency.
9. Economic Evaluation of Healthcare Policies: A critical analysis of healthcare policies and their economic impact. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare reforms, policy interventions, and their implications for healthcare system performance and outcomes.
10. Capstone Project: A practical application of healthcare economics principles to a real-world project. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to analyze a specific healthcare issue, develop recommendations, and present their findings to demonstrate their understanding of healthcare economics principles.