ABSTRACT
The existence of waiting lists is a concern in countries with a national health service and public provision of health care. Our discussion starts with a basic model of waiting lists, showing how pure random elements in demand and supply, namely arrival to the system and treatment times, generate waiting lists and waiting times. Next, we consider the role of waiting times as a market equilibrium device. Finally, we briefly report on evidence about waiting list management schemes and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the issue.
