Special Issue of Health Services Research Examines Simulation Techniques

An AHRQ-supported special April issue of the journal Health Services Research examines the use of simulation techniques in health policy research. Simulation analysis looks at the potential effects of implementing or changing a public health policy. The 11 articles include simulations of health care cost and policy issues, such as tax subsidies for employer-sponsored health insurance, the effect of pay-for-performance on physician quality of care, and the financial impact of demand surge on hospitals. A copy of the special issue, “Simulation Methods in Health Services Research: Applications for Policy, Management, and Practice,” is available by sending an e-mail to ahrqpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.