Busy physicians

Jostein Grytten

doi:10.1016/j.jhealeco.2007.05.003

Return

Busy physicians

2008-03-01

PRE

Jostein Grytten *

Rune J. Sørensen

DOI：10.1016/j.jhealeco.2007.05.003

Original

Original request for help

Save

Abstract

En 中文

Numerous researchers have explored whether general practitioners compensate for a shortage of patients by providing more items of treatment. Empirical testing of this hypothesis often lacks a valid measure of the relevant patient population. In the Norwegian case, researchers have exploited the fact that most patients are registered on a patient list of one general practitioner. However, a significant number of patients move between physicians. We show that physicians with a deficit of patients on the list attract more external patients than those with a surplus of patients on the list. In contrast with previous research, we find no evidence of revenue compensation when consultations with external patients are taken into account. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords:

primary physician services

patient list

data

availability