Essays in the Economics of Health and Innovation

Innovations are central to healthcare, driving new treatments and continuous improvement of health outcomes. Yet, rising costs and volume call for research into their optimal societal use. This thesis examines the impact of three innovations on health outcomes: telemedicine in primary care, cancer-related scientific research, and computed tomography scanners. Each chapter offers new evidence – showing telemedicine’s potential to enhance access without added cost, the local benefits of cancer research, and the risks of over-investment in diagnostic imaging. Together, these findings highlight both the promise and potential risks of medical innovation in shaping modern healthcare delivery and policy.