Invites you to a

Microeconometrics & Public Policy seminar presented by

Rebecca McKibbin

(University of Sydney)

Co-author

Xuechao Qian (Ohio State University)

Medical Practice Shutdowns and Healthcare Utilization: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Friday 29 April

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Via Zoom: Meeting Link

 Abstract: This paper studies the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on office-based physician practices and the following effects on patient healthcare utilization using a nationwide claims database. Using an event study design, we find that physician practices are negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer patient visits, lower revenues, and higher probabilities of permanent closure among these practices after Stay-at-home orders are issued. The impact of permanent physician practice closures on patients varies based on pre-period health care utilization, with patients who previously used physician practice services more frequently being more likely to visit hospitals and ED and incurring higher costs per service if they switch to other surviving physician practices. Heterogeneity analysis shows that practices run mainly by female doctors and in ZIP code areas with higher minority population shares are disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic while physician practice closures particularly affect patients covered by public health insurance and from ZIP code areas with higher minority population shares and lower per capita incomes.

 For further information contact: Microeconometrics & Public Policy Seminar Coordinator Dr Rebecca McKibbin (rebecca.mckibbin@sydney.edu.au)

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