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Use of Medical Services in Chile: How Sensitive are The Results to Different Econometric Specifications?

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  • Alejandra Chovar
  • Felipe Vásquez
  • Guillermo Paraje

Abstract

We compared different econometric specifications to model the use of medical services in Chile focusing on visits to both a general practitioner and a specialist physician. We found the best-fitting model and discussed the determinant factors for the use of medical services. Our results indicate that the model with the best goodness of fit is the Latent Class Model. Furthermore, the econometric estimations consistently show that living outside the capital of the country, especially in rural areas, having some sort of physical or age-related limitation, are the main determinants of the use of medical services; additionally in average the model gives higher predictions of utilization of medical services for women. This research provides evidence, with policy implications, on how people's characteristics, such as place of residence or age, influence the use of medical services in different way depending on the type of medical service to be used.

Suggested Citation

  • Alejandra Chovar & Felipe Vásquez & Guillermo Paraje, 2016. "Use of Medical Services in Chile: How Sensitive are The Results to Different Econometric Specifications?," Working Papers Central Bank of Chile 776, Central Bank of Chile.
    • Handle: RePEc:chb:bcchwp:776
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    File URL: https://www.bcentral.cl/documents/33528/133326/DTBC_776.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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