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An App Call a Day Keeps the Patient Away? Substitution of Online and In-Person Doctor Consultations Among Young Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Ellegård, Lina Maria

    (Dept of Economics, Lund University, Sweden)

  • Kjellsson, Gustav

    (Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University)

  • Mattisson, Linn

    (Dept of Economics, Lund University, Sweden)

Abstract

The emergence of markets for on-demand online physician consultations –direct-to-consumer telemedicine (DCT) – is currently transforming many healthcare settings. DCT may be a cost-effective substitute for ordinary consultations, but the convenience of seeking DCT may increase demand and costs for health insurers. To causally assess to which degree DCT consultations substitute for in-person consultations, we exploit exogenous changes in patient fees in a fuzzy difference-in-discontinuities analysis of young adults in Sweden. We estimate a degree of substitution of 45%, implying an increase in the consultation volume. Characteristics of the additional demand raise concerns related to healthcare equity, efficiency and costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ellegård, Lina Maria & Kjellsson, Gustav & Mattisson, Linn, 2021. "An App Call a Day Keeps the Patient Away? Substitution of Online and In-Person Doctor Consultations Among Young Adults," Working Papers in Economics 808, University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics, revised May 2022.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:gunwpe:0808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    telemedicine; primary health care; co-payments; regression discontinuity design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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