The dissemination of physician fee information: impact on consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors

This study examines the effect of disseminating physician fee information to consumers among two study populations; a Medicare enrolled population and a younger employed population. Using an experimental design, the effect of providing physician fee information on consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviors is examined. The total sample size is 1,715 and includes 907 State employees and 801 Medicare enrollees. The findings suggest that the distribution of physician fee information may be a minor stimulant to consumerism in health care. The findings also suggest that the strength of the effect of fee information on consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviors varies by population characteristics and the need for services.