A Comparison of Outcomes Resulting From Generalist vs Specialist Care for a Single Discrete Medical Condition

Authors:
  • BLBruce E. Landon
    Bruce E. Landon
  • ABAndrew B. Bindman
    Andrew B. Bindman
  • HBHelen Burstin
    Helen Burstin
  • RDRoger B. Davis
    Roger B. Davis
  • JTJennifer Tjia
    Jennifer Tjia
  • EREugene C. Rich
    Eugene C. Rich
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Abstract
Great debate exists regarding the types of physicians who should provide care for patients with particular medical conditions. Generally, this debate focuses on the quality of care provided by specialists in a particular clinical area compared with generalist physicians. Much of the available literature demonstrates that specialist physicians are able to deliver care of higher quality within the narrow, specific areas of their specialty.1-5 Many have relied on this literature to justify preferential resource allocation to specialists when compared with generalists.