A game theoretic model of the relationship between prices and waiting times

The role of prices charged to patients as a policy instrument for altering waiting times. Method: A game theoretic model is used to examine the determinants of waiting times. Results: Under certain circumstances an increase in the price charged to patients at some institutions will lower the waiting times at all institutions. Conclusions: The results provide a set of policy implications and testable predictions that arise under a certain set of assumptions. Alternative assumptions as well as the policy implications and testable predictions associated with them are also examined.