Variations in the Use of Medical and Surgical Services by the Medicare Population

Authors:
  • MCMark R. Chassin
    Mark R. Chassin
  • RBRobert H. Brook
    Robert H. Brook
  • RPR.E. Park
    R.E. Park
  • JKJoan Keesey
    Joan Keesey
  • AFArlene Fink
    Arlene Fink
  • JKJacqueline Kosecoff
    Jacqueline Kosecoff
  • KKKatherine Kahn
    Katherine Kahn
  • NMNancy Merrick
    Nancy Merrick
  • DSDavid H. Solomon
    David H. Solomon
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We measured geographic differences in the use of medical and surgical services during 1981 by Medicare beneficiaries (age ≥65) in 13 large areas of the United States. The average number of Medicare beneficiaries per site was 340,000. We found large and significant differences in the use of services provided by all medical and surgical specialties. Of 123 procedures studied, 67 showed at least threefold differences between sites with the highest and lowest rates of use. Use rates were not consistently high in one site, but rates for procedures used to diagnose and treat a specific disease varied together, as did alternative treatments for the same condition.

This publication has 19 references indexed in Scilit: