§ Changes in the cost of treatment or medicines and the demand for health care services ? § Consumer / patient need and the demand for health care services ? o How do changes in the behaviors of the consumers increase and / or decrease the demand for health care services ? o Why is it important for consumers to understand the demand for health services ?
· Analyze the cost structure for the delivery of health care services . o How do different markets ( large city vs . rural area ) affect the cost of health care services ? o What impact do specialized services ( e . g ., cancer or orthopedic centers ) have on health care costs ? o How do specialized service centers differ from traditional hospitals ? o How are the objectives different for a for-profit vs . a non-profit health care organization ? o Why is it important for consumers to understand the cost structure for the delivery of health care services ?
· Analyze the major sources of health care spending . o How has the trend of health care costs regarding the overall economy changed over the past several decades ? o What impact does technology have on health care costs ? o Why is it important for consumers to know the major sources of health care spending ?
· Analyze the various payment sources and mechanisms in the health care industry . o What sources are used to pay the costs of health care services other than self-pay and private health insurance ? o What impact does the government have on payment sources for health care services ? o Why is it important for consumers to know the payment sources for health care services ?