Health Economics presents a systematic treatment of the economics of health behavior and health care delivery. Appropriate both for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of economics, this text provides the background required to understand current research,

presenting theoretical models as well as empirical evidence and summarizing key results. Without neglecting ethical concerns, modern microeconomic theory is applied to

formulate theoretical implications and predictions. Issues discussed include the economic valuation of life and health, moral hazard in health care utilization, supplier-induced demand, the search for remuneration systems with favorable incentives, risk selection in health insurance markets, and technological change in medicine.

This is the most complete text available on the economics of health behavior and health care delivery. Appropriate both for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students of economics, this text provides the key analytical tools required to understand current research. Issues discussed include the "cost explosion" in health care, the power of medical associations, the search for remuneration systems with favorable incentives, and technological change in medicine. Rather than simplifying the issues facing today's healthcare systems, the book models existing complexities as they are, adapting economics to reflect the views of the average person.

Jenseits von Verbands- und Parteiinteressen erlautern die Autoren in dem Band Einsichten und Hintergrunde u.a. zur Ausgabendynamik im Gesundheitswesen, zur Rolle von Arzten und zu Ineffizienzen in Krankenhausern. Die Themen werden stringent mithilfe mikrookonomischer Methoden analysiert, ohne dabei ethische Gesichtspunkte ausser Acht zu lassen. Neue Ergebnisse der empirischen Forschung werden ebenso diskutiert wie aktuelle Reformvorschlage, z.B. die Burgerversicherung und die Einfuhrung von Pauschalpramien in der Krankenversicherung."