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Information Provision and Streamlined Medical Service: Evidence from a Mobile Appointment App

Author

Listed:
  • Song, Changcheng

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Yang, Nan

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Yi, Junjian

    (Peking University)

  • Yuan, Ye

    (National University of Singapore)

Abstract

We examine the launch of a mobile outpatient appointment app in China to study the effect of information provision and a streamlined appointment process on hospital operations and the alignment of healthcare supply and demand. Using a longitudinal dataset on hospital operations and a difference-in-differences model, we document that the app increases completed hospital consultations by 9.5%, through boosting registrations by 4.8% and reducing appointment cancellations by 3.4%. The app improves queuing efficiency in overcrowded hospitals and draws demand for underutilized ones. Supported by additional evidence from a subset of patients' electronic medical records, we also find that the app directs patients to the hospital and department more suitable to their medical conditions and to less busy days, resulting in a better match between patient demand and hospital service.

Suggested Citation

  • Song, Changcheng & Yang, Nan & Yi, Junjian & Yuan, Ye, 2018. "Information Provision and Streamlined Medical Service: Evidence from a Mobile Appointment App," IZA Discussion Papers 11845, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp11845
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Linda Green, 2006. "Queueing Analysis in Healthcare," International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, in: Randolph W. Hall (ed.), Patient Flow: Reducing Delay in Healthcare Delivery, chapter 0, pages 281-307, Springer.
    2. Karen Eggleston & Li Ling & Meng Qingyue & Magnus Lindelow & Adam Wagstaff, 2008. "Health service delivery in China: a literature review," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 17(2), pages 149-165, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Feng, Jin & Song, Hong & Wang, Zhen, 2020. "The elderly's response to a patient cost-sharing policy in health insurance: Evidence from China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 189-207.

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    Keywords

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    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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