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Challenging Encounters and Within-Physician Practice Variability

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriel Chodick

    (Tel-Aviv University, and Maccabi Healthcare Services)

  • Yoav Goldstein

    (Tel Aviv University)

  • Ity Shurtz

    (Ben Gurion University)

  • Dan Zeltzer

    (Tel Aviv University)

Abstract

We examine how physician decisions are affected by difficult cases—encounters with newly diagnosed cancer patients. Using detailed administrative data, we compare primary care physicians' decisions in visits that occurred before and after difficult cases and matched comparison cases by the same physicians on other dates. Immediately following a difficult case, physicians increase referrals for common tests, including diagnostic tests unrelated to cancer. The effect lasts only for about an hour and is not driven by patient selection or schedule disruption. The results highlight difficult encounters as a source of variability in physician practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel Chodick & Yoav Goldstein & Ity Shurtz & Dan Zeltzer, 2025. "Challenging Encounters and Within-Physician Practice Variability," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 107(4), pages 889-897, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:restat:v:107:y:2025:i:4:p:889-897
    DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01314
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