Abstract

QUINTAL, Carlota; TAVARES, Helena  and  LOURENCO, Óscar. Impact of moderating fees on utilisation of paediatric health care: Study applied to school age children in the city of Coimbra. Rev. Port. Sau. Pub. [online]. 2016, vol.34, n.2, pp.154-162. ISSN 0870-9025.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpsp.2016.01.001.

This study aims to assess the impact of moderating fees on utilisation of paediatric health care and the perspectives of parents regarding factors that influence demand. A questionnaire was developed; data was self‐reported by parents of children aged 6‐18. To assess the effects on utilisation we used the negative binomial model. The sample includes 203 children (109 exempt). Being exempt has a positive (negative) impact on utilisation due to illness (prevention); income and parents' education have mixed effects; the same happens to exempt*income-effects not significant. Based on the results obtained, moderating fees do not affect utilisation, raising the question on their justification.

Keywords : Moderating fees; Moral hazard; Paediatric care; Portugal.

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