A health economist is an expert who's job is to apply economic theories to the healthcare system to improve it's efficiency, equity and effectiveness.
As a health economist they use economic theories in order to analyze the healthcare system and make recommendations for improvements.
Health economists also work to find cost effective solutions which can benefit providers and patients.
A health economist works in a variety of settings which include.
Private companies.
Think Tanks.
Public health institutions.
Pharmaceutical companies.
Universities.
Government agencies.
And Hospitals.
Health economists study topics which include the role of stakeholders in healthcare spending, what affects health outcomes, how to put a value on health, spending growth, the role of the patient and the healthcare provider, risk and insurance impact, benefits design and payment reform.
The skills that a health economists needs are strong analytical skills which include the ability to analyze medical and clinical research, understand study designs, critically appraise data and also be familiar with regulatory policies and statistics.