A game theoretic model of the relationship between prices and waiting times.
OBJECTIVE
The role of prices charged to patients as a policy instrument for altering waiting times.


METHODS
A game theoretic model is used to examine the determinants of waiting times.


RESULTS
Under certain circumstances an increase in the price charged to patients at some institutions will lower the waiting times at all institutions.


CONCLUSIONS
The results provide a set of policy implications and testable predictions that arise under a certain set of assumptions. Alternative assumptions as well as the policy implications and testable predictions associated with them are also examined.
Farnworth
Michael G
MG
Department of Economics, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 5A3. mikefarn@unb.ca
D002017:Budgets; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D005716:Game Theory; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017722:Hospital Charges; D006801:Humans; D017059:Models, Econometric; D016134:Organizational Policy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000191:economics*; D014850:Waiting Lists