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| n |
Originate
in the phenomenon of practice pattern variations described
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by
Wennberg and his associates in a continuing series of studies
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starting
in the mid 70’s
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– |
These
papers demonstrated substantial geographical variation in
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the
aggregate use of physician and hospital services
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And
in specific utilization rates of common surgical and radiologic
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procedures
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The
authors argued that these variations neither reflect an intrinsic
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variation
in the prevalence of specific conditions, nor are
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explained
by differing patient preferences,
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What
they do represent is still a matter of considerable debate
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| n |
Nevertheless
appears to be general agreement that such variations are
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a
symptom of something seriously wrong with our health system
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– |
Which
should either be addressed for its own sake or as a way of
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controlling
health care costs
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