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Provider effects in antibiotic prescribing: Evidence from physician exits

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  • Shan Huang
  • Hannes Ullrich

Abstract

In the fight against antibiotic resistance, reducing antibiotic consumption while preserving healthcare quality presents a critical health policy challenge. We investigate the role of practice styles in patients’ antibiotic intake using exogenous variation in patient-physician assignment. Practice style heterogeneity explains 49% of the differences in overall antibiotic use and 83% of the differences in second-line antibiotic use between primary care providers. We find no evidence that high prescribing is linked to better treatment quality or fewer adverse health outcomes. Policies improving physician decision-making, particularly among high-prescribers, may be effective in reducing antibiotic consumption while sustaining healthcare quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Shan Huang & Hannes Ullrich, 2023. "Provider effects in antibiotic prescribing: Evidence from physician exits," Berlin School of Economics Discussion Papers 0018, Berlin School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdp:dpaper:0018
    DOI: 10.48462/opus4-4975
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hannes Ullrich & Michael Allan Ribers, 2023. "Machine predictions and human decisions with variation in payoffs and skill: the case of antibiotic prescribing," Berlin School of Economics Discussion Papers 0027, Berlin School of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    antibiotic prescribing; practice styles; primary care providers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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