Courtney Yarbrough

Courtney R. Yarbrough is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. Her work focuses on pharmaceutical markets, health policy, and the economic impacts of public policies on prescription drug access and utilization, particularly in Medicare Part D. She specializes in opioid prescribing patterns, substance use disorder treatment access, and the social determinants of health.

• Education: PhD and MPA in Public Policy from the University of Georgia.
• Courses Taught: HPM 500 (US Health Care System), HPM 553 (Pharmaceutical Econ & Policy), and directed research.

Her research explores policy interventions to address opioid misuse, including Medicaid expansion’s effects on treatment access and disparities in medication-assisted treatment (MOUD) availability. She also examines how prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) influence prescribing practices and health equity.

Recent studies highlight trends in MOUD access post-Medicare coverage expansions and the role of pharmacies in buprenorphine distribution. Her work frequently employs difference-in-differences analyses to evaluate policy impacts on vulnerable populations.

Grants & Advising: No formal grants or advisees listed. Collaborates widely with public health researchers and policy analysts.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with interdisciplinary teams studying healthcare policy and addiction treatment systems.