Introduces students to economic theory as it relates to the delivery of health care services. Topics include the role of health insurance financing for medical services including managed care, and its influence on consumer and provider behavior relative to the demand and supply of healthcare services. Additional topics include competition in the delivery of health care services, the role of government and regulation, whether greater expenditures on health care insures better health, cost shifting, and the challenge of measuring value in healthcare outcomes. [ 3 credits ]