The Economics Of Health Reconsidered

This book guides you toward reconsidering the field of health economics as it is taught & practiced. The book discusses & analyzes the assumptions that must be met for a competitive market to be successful, concludes that these assumptions are not met in the health field, & provides a number of applications for health policy. "Tom Rice has done all of us in health a favor. In succinct, accessible-at times even delightful- prose, he has expressed so many of our concerns about what sometimes passes for 'conventional' health economics." - Gavin Mooney, Ph.D., Professor of Health Economics, University of Sydney, Australia.

Instructor Resources: PowerPoint slides, important chapter concepts, discussion questions with answers, additional readings, and a transition guide to the new edition. Now in its fourth edition, The Economics of Health Reconsidered presents an argument that still holds true: despite assertions to the contrary, neither economic theory nor evidence shows that reliance on market forces leads to superior outcomes in healthcare systems. Government plays a crucial role in making the healthcare sector not only more equitable but also more efficient. This book reconsiders the field of health economics as it is traditionally taught and practiced. It critically examines economic theory as applied to the health sector and questions the prevailing belief that a competitive healthcare marketplace results in the best outcomes. Fully revised and updated, this new edition incorporates information on the impact of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act as well as: A new chapter on healthcare expenditures, which examines healthcare spending in the United States and in other high-income countries, including the magnitude, growth, and causes of high expenditures and the different policies that have been used or proposed to help control them A new chapter that describes the various types of economic evaluation currently used in healthcare, discusses the issues that arise with the use of economic evaluations, and provides information on how to conduct an economic evaluation New and updated data throughout chapters and exhibits This book serves as an ideal stand-alone text for health economics and health policy courses and as a general reference for issues in health economics.

This book reconsiders the field of health economics as it is traditionally taught and practiced. It critically examines economic theory as applied to the health sector and questions the prevailing belief that a competitive healthcare marketplace results in the best outcomes. New information, including an overview of standard microeconomic theory, makes this new edition an ideal stand-alone text for health economics and health policy courses. # Expanded and thoroughly updated, this edition features: A new chapter on traditional microeconomic theory that includes an overview of demand, supply, competition, monopoly, and social welfare # An expanded overview of the role of government # Added information about market competition and the implications for health policy # Expanded information about the demand for health insurance and health services # A new chapter discussing for-profit versus nonprofit organizations in healthcare, including specialty hospitals and the nursing home and pharmaceutical industries # A new chapter on healthcare-workforce issues including the markets for physicians and nurses # An update on the different ways developed countries can and have organized their healthcare systems

This reconsideration of the macroeconomics, microeconomics, methodology, and social philosophy of the classical economists has been a small gem on the history of economic thought, written in a way accessible to students, while having much to teach scholars. The reissue of this book twenty years after its original publication is a tribute to the enduring relevance of the questions raised during the formative period of economics and to the skill with which the author analyzes them.

Minkler and Wallerstein have pulled together a fantastic set of contributions from the leading researchers in the field. In addition to a fine collection of case studies, this book puts the key issues for researchers and practitioners in a historical, philosophical, and applied, practical context

The field of behavioural economics can tell us a great deal about cognitive bias and unconscious decision-making, challenging the orthodox economic model whereby consumers make rational and informed choices. But it is in the arena of health that it perhaps offers individuals and governments the most value. In this important new book, the most pernicious health issues we face today are examined through a behavioral economic lens. It provides an essential and timely overview of how this growing field of study can reframe and offer solutions to some of the biggest health issues of our age. The book opens with an overview of the core theoretical concepts, after which each chapter assesses how behavioral economic research and practice can inform public policy across a range of health issues. Including chapters on tobacco, alcohol and drug use, physical activity, dietary intake, cancer screening and sexual health, the book integrates the key insights from the field to both developed and developing nations. Also asking important ethical questions around paternalism and informed choice, this book will be essential reading for students and researchers across psychology, economics and business and management, as well as public health professionals wishing for a concise overview of the role behavioral economics can potentially play in allowing people to live healthier lives.