Analysis of Inequalities in Waiting Time at the Visit to the Physician using the Regression Modeling for Duration Data
Franz Schwarz
Abstract
When we visit our physician, we usually have to wait for a more or less longduration until we are called into the doctorsâ office. This study revealsinequalities in the waiting time at the visit to the general practitioner byusing multiplicative intensity regression analysis, which is frequently usedfor modeling time to event data. In general, people with higher educationhave a higher efficiency to reduce waiting time. Further, Austrians show ahigher efficiency than foreigners. With regard to health-related factors,those with better health and less frequent consultations have also a higherefficiency to reduce waiting time. It also matters where people live. Thoseliving in rural areas in general wait longer, and furthermore, the longer thejourney from home to the doctorsâ practice takes, the longer is the waitingtime.