Recently, public and private providers within two-tier healthcare markets have engaged in a fierce competition for patients, which is significantly influenced by patients' multifaceted sensitivities to delays and payments, particularly when patients' potential balking is considered. However,...

Background: Healthcare systems are increasingly strained by limited operating room resources and rising demand, a situation intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. These pressures have resulted in overcrowded surgical departments, prolonged waiting times for elective procedures, worsened patient...