Business and Economics of Health Law
This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the business and economics of health care. Students should complete this class with knowledge and understanding of the different business structures, regulations and payment mechanisms and issues that face the government, health care providers and consumers in America—especially in the era of national health care reform. The course will examine the means by which patients gain access to health care and through which sponsors of health coverage organize and compensate health care providers.
The course may include discussion of the nature and organization of the medical practice, hospitals and other health care entities, including Accountable Care Organizations and other physician group practice models; the economics of health care financing, insuring and pricing; the costs of fraud and abuse and employment alternatives; standards and methods of regulation, accreditation, credentialing and licensing affecting the structure, liability and permitted functions of health care entities and participants in the medical practice; the physician-patient relationship; and current subjects of political and health care industry debates and legislation arising during the semester.
A fundamental knowledge of basic economics will be helpful, but not a prerequisite. One of the assigned texts for the course will provide adequate background. (See the footnotes to the class schedule for specific prerequisites.)