MBA-HE101: Healthcare Economics
Credits: 3 | Format: Online/Hybrid | Prerequisites: Microeconomics, Statistics
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines economic principles as they apply to healthcare markets, organizations, and policy. Students will analyze how economic forces shape healthcare delivery, access, and outcomes. The course covers demand and supply dynamics in healthcare, market failures, insurance economics, provider payment systems, and cost-effectiveness analysis. Emphasis is placed on applying economic frameworks to evaluate healthcare policies and organizational strategies.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (AACSB Aligned)
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analytical Thinking: Apply microeconomic concepts (supply, demand, elasticity) to healthcare markets
- Ethical Understanding: Evaluate the ethical implications of healthcare resource allocation
- Application of Knowledge: Analyze the economics of health insurance, moral hazard, and adverse selection
- Communication: Present economic analyses of healthcare policy proposals
- Decision-Making: Conduct cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses for healthcare interventions
COURSE MODULES
- Fundamentals of Healthcare Economics
- Demand for Healthcare Services
- Healthcare Labor Markets & Physician Supply
- Economics of Health Insurance
- Hospital and Provider Economics
- Pharmaceutical Economics
- Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
- Healthcare Policy Analysis
- Global Healthcare Systems Comparison
- Economic Evaluation Project
ASSESSMENT METHODS
| Economic Analysis Paper | 25% |
| Policy Brief | 20% |
| Midterm Examination | 20% |
| Final Examination | 25% |
| Class Participation & Discussions | 10% |
REQUIRED TEXTS
- Santerre, R. & Neun, S. Health Economics: Theory, Insights, and Industry Studies (7th Edition)
- Drummond, M. et al. Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Health Care Programmes (4th Edition)