Beginning with the First Edition, this text has related to the costs and benefits associated with various health care choices. Continuing with this theme, the Fourth Edition addresses the many changes that have taken place in the field of health care in both the public and private sectors, allowing students to gain a very practical knowledge of today's health care systems. The authors take a fresh, contemporary approach to the content – introducing several real-world applications that make economic theory very approachable. The lively and inviting writing style is perfect for students learning about health economics for the first time.