§ 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?