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Hospital Queues, Patient Health, and Labor Supply

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Godøy
  • Venke F. Haaland
  • Ingrid Huitfeldt
  • Mark Votruba

Abstract

Long waits for health care raise concerns about the consequences of delayed treatment. We use variation in queue congestion to estimate effects of wait time for orthopedic surgery. We do not find that longer wait times lead to increased health care utilization. However, we do find persistent reductions in labor supply: long waits increase medium to long-term work absences and permanent disability receipt. Effects are driven by individuals who are on sick leave at referral. Our results are consistent with patterns of state dependence, where extended periods of temporary disability while awaiting treatment create persistent barriers to returning to work.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Godøy & Venke F. Haaland & Ingrid Huitfeldt & Mark Votruba, 2024. "Hospital Queues, Patient Health, and Labor Supply," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 16(2), pages 150-181, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:150-81
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20210399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    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
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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