It is theoretically shown that mergers between incumbents and nascent competitors (future rivals or fringe firms) can boost prices and reduce consumer welfare. But no merger has been litigated on this basis due to a lack of empirical evidence. To offer empirical insights, I study the acquisition...

This paper analyzes the optimal contract for a consumer to procure a credence good from an expert when (i) the expert might misrepresent his private information about the consumer’s need, (ii) the expert might not choose the requested service since his choice of treatment is non-observable,...

We develop a model of gestational surrogacy, in which a childless couple faces heterogeneous prospective surrogates. High-type surrogates add more value but also have higher outside options. Surrogates can make specific investments for the overall well-being (care) of the unborn child. We show...

This paper investigates the impact of monitoring institutions on market outcomes in health care. Health care markets are characterized by asymmetric information. Physicians have an information advantage over patients with respect to the appropriate treatment for the patient and may exploit this...

General (or family) practice and its role within primary care is increasingly regarded as the key to achieving efficiency and equity in many health care systems. This is particularly relevant where general practitioners (GPs) act as gatekeepers to specialist care. This chapter outlines the main...

Diagnostic errors are prevalent and can result in severe patient harm. Identifying a correct diagnosis often necessitates significant diagnostic effort. Nonetheless, most physician payment schemes are procedure-based and do not account for diagnostic effort or accuracy, due to observability...