D4 Published development or research report or study

Improving Performance Through Allocation and Competition: Evidence from a Patient Choice Reform




AuthorsKortelainen Mika, Laine Liisa, Lavaste Konsta, Saxell Tanja, Siciliani Luigi

PublisherValtion taloudellinen tutkimuskeskus

Publication year2023

Series titleVATT Working Papers

Number in series156

Web address https://vatt.fi/en/publication?pubid=URN%3ANBN%3Afi-fe20231003138612

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/381070409


Abstract

We study the allocative effects of enhancing consumer choice and non-price competition in markets with heterogeneous producers. We use comprehensive administrative data and a difference-in-differences design based on the introduction of a regional patient choice reform for planned surgeries in Finland. We find that large teaching hospitals attracted more patients and concentration increased in their markets. Waiting times decreased in hospitals exposed to the reform and more patients were treated, with little effect on clinical quality or average surgical expenditure after the reform. Our results suggest that increased choice can reallocate patients towards large producers and improve public hospital performance.


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Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 14:45