Why Women Should Choose Female Doctors for Healthcare: Evidence from a Study of General Medical Claims and Doctor Expertise

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo in Japan has explored the benefits of treatment by female doctors. The study analyzed data from two databases, one containing general medical claims and the other focusing on doctor expertise and work practices. The study included 458,101 female patients and 318,819 male patients aged 65 and over who were hospitalized between 2016 and 2019.

The results of the study showed that the rate of re-hospitalization was lower in patients treated by female doctors and that female patients treated by female doctors had a lower mortality rate in certain diseases. The researchers suggested several reasons why treatment by female physicians may lead to better outcomes for female patients. They noted that male doctors might underestimate the severity of diseases in female patients, resulting in delayed or incomplete treatment. Additionally, they found that communication between female doctors and female patients could be more effective, leading to better diagnoses and treatment. Another possible explanation is that patients may feel less embarrassed during examinations by female doctors, leading to more comprehensive care.

Previous studies have also shown that treatment by female doctors is associated with higher quality care, especially for women. This research highlights the potential benefits of seeking treatment from female doctors, particularly for women. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication and understanding between doctors and patients to improve healthcare outcomes.

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that treatment by female physicians can lead to better health outcomes for women. The researchers suggest that effective communication between male doctors and females could lead to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes for women. This research emphasizes the importance of ensuring gender equality in healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes.