Table 1 Attributes and levels for the DCE and related variables in estimation

Knowing Doctor

Whether patients know who their doctor is

Unknown ^a

Known

Known

Acquainted

Acquainted

Hospital Type

Three major hospital choices

A-level Public (Large) ^a

C-level Public (Small)

Small public

Private Hospital

private

Distance

Distance from home to hospital (on bus)

>20min ^a

>40min

min40

>60min

min60

Time

Waiting time in hospital

= < 0.5h ^a

= < 2h

hrs2

= < 4h

hrs4

Out-of-pocket Cost

The amount of money paid by patient (RMB)

150 RMB($25)

300 RMB ($49)

450 RMB ($74)

Number of Visit

The number of visits needed to have the required treatment

One ^a

Two

Two

Three

Three