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Physician-induced demand by Irish GPs.

A D Tussing, M A Wojtowycz

    Social Science & Medicine (1982)
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary

    Irish general practitioners (GPs) may create demand for their services. A 1981 survey found GP self-referral rates correlated with GP numbers and inversely with patient eligibility for free care and income.

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    Area of Science:

    • Health economics
    • Primary care research
    • Physician behavior

    Background:

    • In Ireland, approximately one-third of the population receives free medical care.
    • General practitioners (GPs) are compensated on a fee-for-service basis, with higher rates for private patients.
    • Physician-induced demand is a theoretical concept where providers may influence patient demand for services.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate physician-induced demand among Irish general practitioners.
    • To examine the relationship between GP self-referral rates and socioeconomic factors.

    Main Methods:

    • A national survey of Irish medical care utilization was conducted in 1981.
    • The survey assessed whether patients' most recent GP visits resulted in a return visit being arranged.
    • Statistical analysis examined associations between self-referral rates and ratios of GPs to population, eligible patients, and area per capita income.

    Main Results:

    • GP self-referral rates were significantly and strongly associated with the ratio of GPs to the population.
    • Self-referral rates were negatively associated with the ratio of persons eligible for free services.
    • A negative association was also found between self-referral rates and area per capita income.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings support the hypothesis of significant self-interested physician-induced demand by Irish GPs.
    • GP self-referral behavior appears influenced by practice density and patient socioeconomic status.
    • This study highlights economic factors influencing primary care utilization in Ireland.

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