A comparison of quality and utilization problems in large and small group practices

Physicians practicing in large, multispecialty medical groups share an organizational culture that differs from that of physicians in small or independent practices. Since 1980, there has been a sharp increase in the size of multispecialty group practice organizations, in part because of increased e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physician executive 1995-12, Vol.21 (12), p.29-33
Main Authors: Gleason, S C, Richards, M J, Quinnell, J E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (U.S.)
Decision Making, Organizational
Diagnosis-Related Groups
Evaluation
Group medical practice
Group Practice - organization & administration
Group Practice - standards
Group Practice - utilization
Health administration
Hospitals - utilization
Length of Stay
Management
Medical care
Organizational Culture
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Physician services utilization
Private Practice - organization & administration
Private Practice - standards
Private Practice - utilization
Quality of Health Care
United States
Utilization
Utilization Review
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Summary:Physicians practicing in large, multispecialty medical groups share an organizational culture that differs from that of physicians in small or independent practices. Since 1980, there has been a sharp increase in the size of multispecialty group practice organizations, in part because of increased efficiencies of large group practices. The greater number of physicians and support personnel in a large group practice also requires a relatively more sophisticated management structure. The efficiencies, conveniences, and management structure of a large group practice provide an optimal environment to practice medicine. However, a search of the literature found no data linking a large group practice environment to practice outcomes. The purpose of the study reported in this article was to determine if physicians in large practices have fewer quality and utilization problems than physicians in small or independent practices.
ISSN:0898-2759