Factors Affecting MSIO Insured Utilization Rate from GPs Services in Iran Using Panel Data

Currently in Iran about 80000 GPs are responsible for patient’s visit and s everal factors affect the utilization rate of those services. The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of these factors on the level of GPs services.

This study is a descriptive analytic study using panel data. Data were collected from Medical Services Insurance Organizations (MSIO)، Iran Statistics Center and Central Bank for 2004-2009 years and estimates of results have been performed with Eviews. 6 software.

Price and Income elasticity related to GP services were -0. 03 and 0. 08 respectively meaning that 10% increase in the price of doctor visits is associated with 0. 3% reduction in their visits. In addition 10% increase in income of insured people is associated with 0. 8% reduction in the GP visits.

The most important factors in the use of GP services are access to medical insurance، price of GP visit and patient income respectively.