@article {10.34196/ijm.00057,
article_type = {journal},
title = {Challenges and solutions in constructing a microsimulation model of the use and costs of medical services in Australia},
author = {Lymer, Sharyn and Brown, Laurie and Harding, Ann and Payne, Alicia},
volume = 4,
number = 3,
year = 2011,
month = {dec},
pub_date = {2011-12-31},
pages = {17-31},
citation = {IJM 2011;4(3):17-31},
doi = {10.34196/ijm.00057},
url = {https://doi.org/10.34196/ijm.00057},
abstract = {This paper describes the development of a microsimulation model ‘HealthMod’ which simulates the use and costs of medical and related services by Australian families. Australia has a universal social insurance scheme known as ‘Medicare’ which provides all Australians with access to free or low-cost essential medical services. These services are provided primarily by general practitioners as well as specialist doctors but also include diagnostic and imaging services. Individuals may pay a direct out-of pocket contribution if fees charged for services are higher than the reimbursement schedule set by government. HealthMod is based on the Australian 2001 National Health Survey. This survey had a number of deficiencies in terms of modelling the national medical benefits scheme. The article outlines three major methodological steps that had to be taken in the model construction: the imputation of synthetic families, the imputation of short-term health conditions, and the annualisation of doctor visits and costs. Some preliminary results on the use of doctor services subsidised through Australia’s Medicare are presented.},
keywords = {economic microsimulation modelling, medical services, use and costs, Australia},
journal = {IJM},
issn = {1747-5864},
publisher = {International Journal of Microsimulation},
}