Abstract
Electronic auctions can be applied in certain health care markets, but the effects on market structure, market behavior and market performance are unclear. We analyzed the effects of a reverse electronic auction initiative that was implemented by a new intermediary (CareAuction.nl) in the market for maternity care in the Netherlands in 2005 and 2006. We found small but significant effects on the price of maternity care (minus 2-4%), and significant effects on market structure (more care providers involved in the bidding processes) and market behavior (bidding behaviors and user preferences). We see good opportunities to improve health care market effectiveness for specific care services (non-emergency, elective, standardized care) and to further adapt the auction mechanism.
Recommended Citation
Smits, Martin; Janssen, Richard; and Pelt, Paul van, "Using Electronic Auctions to Improve Market Performance in Health Care" (2007). BLED 2007 Proceedings. 48.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/bled2007/48