Premium
A Spatial Analysis of Primary Health Care Markets in Rural Areas
Author(s) -
Cowper Patricia A.,
Kushman John E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
american journal of agricultural economics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.949
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1467-8276
pISSN - 0002-9092
DOI - 10.2307/1241696
Subject(s) - ordinary least squares , primary care , econometrics , variable (mathematics) , health care , rural area , business , public economics , marketing , actuarial science , geography , economics , mathematics , medicine , economic growth , family medicine , mathematical analysis , pathology
Abstract An exponential spatial interaction model was used to analyze primary‐health‐care‐seeking patterns of rural consumers in northern California. A macrotheory of spatial interaction and a microtheory of consumer search were combined as a logically consistent rationale for the model. Ordinary least squares proved superior to nonlinear least squares and a limited dependent variable maximum likelihood technique in predicting health‐care‐seeking patterns. The model was used to address policy questions including the impact of removing local providers on patient flows to remaining providers and the market shares that could be expected by a new provider.