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This paper considers the micro-econometric analysis of patients' hospital choice for elective medical procedures when their choice set is pre-selected by a general practitioner (GP). It proposes a two-stage choice model that encompasses both, patient and GP level optimization, and it discusses identification. The empirical analysis demonstrates biases and inconsistencies that arise when strategic pre-selection is not properly taken into account. We find that patients defer to GPs when assessing hospital quality and focus on tangible attributes, like hospital amenities; and that GPs, in turn, as patients'
agents present choice options based on quality, but as agents of health authorities also consider their financial implications.
Authors
Research Associate Birkbeck, University of London
Walter is a Research Associate at the IFS, a Reader in Economics at Birkbeck, University of London and holds a position in the Academic Panel at CMA.
Working Paper details
- DOI
- 10.1920/wp.cem.2016.1621
- Publisher
- The IFS
Suggested citation
Beckert, W and Collyer, K. (2016). Choice in the presence of experts: the role of general practitioners in patients' hospital choice. London: The IFS. Available at: https://ifs.org.uk/publications/choice-presence-experts-role-general-practitioners-patients-hospital-choice (accessed: 28 March 2024).
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