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Radiating influence? Spillover effects among physicians

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni van Empel

    (Australian National University)

  • Daniel Avdic

    (Deakin University)

  • Umair Khalil

    (Deakin University)

  • Johannes S. Kunz

    (Monash University)

  • Bo Lagerqvist

    (UCR and SCAAR Study Group, Uppsala University)

  • Johan Vikström

    (IFAU and Uppsala University)

Abstract

We study spillovers in healthcare by exploring how cardiologists’ treatment choices are influenced by their peers. We employ clinical quality data from Sweden on the use of radiation in diagnostic angiography procedures. To account for endogeneity concerns, we instrument peers’ weekly radiation output using the plausibly exogenous arrival of emergency cases they handle. Our estimates suggest that focal cardiologists increase their radiation output by 0.7 standard deviations for each standard deviation increase in their peers’ output. These workplace spillovers lead to improved quality of care. Focal physicians detect additional blocked arteries, which increases treatment intensity and leads to lower risk-adjusted patient mortality.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni van Empel & Daniel Avdic & Umair Khalil & Johannes S. Kunz & Bo Lagerqvist & Johan Vikström, 2025. "Radiating influence? Spillover effects among physicians," Papers 2025-01, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University.
    • Handle: RePEc:mhe:chemon:2025-01
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    peer effect; team management; physician practice style; healthcare quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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