PROJECTS
Investigation Into Possible Anti-Competitive Impact Medical Association Practices, New Zealand
The problem
New Zealand’s Commerce Commission was worried that professional medical associations were undermining competition in specialist medical fields. Associations control the admission of specialist doctors through examinations and other requirements. Castalia’s expert testimony had helped the Commission win a High Court case against the professional association representing ophthalmologists. The Commission was concerned about other medical associations, but had no way of detecting anti-competitive behavior in admissions practices.
How we helped
Castalia devised questions about admissions practices for the Commerce Commission to ask. The answers would identify practices that limited competition. We developed a counterfactual of market entry pathways with no unjustified barriers. For each pathway, we identified the barriers that medical associations might impose to reduce competition.
Impact
Castalia’s questions helped the Commission to distinguish between quality-based entry restrictions and competition-limiting barriers. Our methodology allowed the Commission to conclude that other medical associations were not using admissions practices to reduce competition.
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
