"Essays in Health Economics"

Abstract

As the American healthcare system changes, policy makers and healthcare providers are in need of more data and improved analytical strategies. Researchers are taking advantage of changes to the healthcare system and new data to evaluate and understand policy changes and healthcare effectiveness. The healthcare system will be expected to do more with less and governments will be required to better organize and regulate healthcare markets to address public health concerns and fiscal necessity. As a result of these changes and policy concerns, economists are studying the healthcare system with newfound interest and newly generated questions. The following dissertation adds to the economic study of health care. Chapter 1 examines the relationship between specific variations of joint and several liability tort reform and the growth rate of medical expenditures. Chapter 2 discusses the relationship between emergency department outcomes for trauma patients and the patient's insurance. Lastly, chapter 3 investigates whether a patient’s insurance has an impact of patient outcomes and treatment patterns. Chapter 3 also evaluates the effect of the Great Recession on the relationship between insurance status and treatment patterns.