<P>Can we really use economic thinking to understand our health care system? <I>Health Economics</I>, now in its sixth edition, not only shows how this is done, but also provides the tools to analyze the economic behavior of patients and providers in health care markets.</P><I><P></P><P>Health Economics </I>combines current economic theory, recent research, and up-to-date empirical studies into a comprehensive overview of the field. Key changes to this edition include:</P><UL><P><LI>additional discussion of the consequences of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), in light of current political changes;</LI><LI>an extensive discussion of quality measures;</LI><LI>more discussion of preventive services;</LI><LI>a new section on drug markets and regulation;</LI><LI>discussion of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs);</LI><LI>new references, problem sets, and an updated companion website with lecture slides.</LI><P></P></UL><P></P><P>Designed for use in upper-division und