I also want to acknowledge the members of my dissertation committee-Profs. Wehby, Stanik-Hutt, Wright, and Kaskie-for their invaluable feedback throughout the process. I am thankful to them for pushing me to think outside the box and consider different angles and approaches. I am a better researcher for it. I would like to acknowledge the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Health Management and Policy for their contributions to my education these past few years. I would not be where I am today without your support. I deeply appreciate the financial support provided by the College of Public Health through the Graduate Student Success Award. For his reliability, patience, and technical assistance through several iterations of my analysis, I would like to thank the AHRQ Data Center manager, Ray Kuntz especially. To my parents and siblings, thank you for your unwavering support, your endless prayers, your unconditional love, and allowing me to dream big and strive for greater heights. Thank you to my daughter, Rayan. You have filled my days with so much wealth and wonder. To my wife, Juwarat, words cannot express the depth of my gratitude to you for the support throughout this process. You are a constant source of inspiration and joy. Finally, I am thankful to God and the firm foundation that faith provides.