Oral

This session offers a collection of 5 papers in health economics that spans a variety of interesting and important topics in the field. The first presentation quantifies the risk of underinsurance for working aged adults. Uninsurance is an often used term in health policy circles but it is vaguely defined. This study attempts to bring clarity the problem of underinsurance. The second presentation computes the cost savings associated with breast, colorectal and prostate cancer screening. This study offers concrete recommendations regarding where society should invest its efforts in cancer screening. The third presentation evaluate whether (Certificate of Need) regulation has reduced healthcare costs by elimination duplication and unnecessary supply. The study finding suggests the CON regulations may have an anti-competitive effect and create barriers to entry that actually increase costs. This study should be useful to state lawmakers in 34 states that currently have CON as they consider revising these laws. The fourth presentation offers an examination of the use of technology in physicians' officer. They authors find evidence of that there is room for efficiency gains in physician practices regarding the use of radiology. This is important given health policymakers' interest in using technology in physician and hospitals offices to improve outcomes and lower costs. The last presentation examines the association between hospital quality and other hospital characteristics. This study identifies ways policymakers can identify hospitals that need assistance in improving their level of quality. These presentations offer useful information for policymakers and advocates, practitioners and administrator and public health, health services and health economic researchers.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe four health econometric techniques: multinomial logistic regression, instrumental variable analysis, stochastic frontier model and fixed and random effects models. 2. Evaluate productivity and efficiency in the hospital and physician sectors and the influences of markets and government regulations. 3. Assess the costs of screening and treatment for vulnerable populations.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)