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Diffusion of Information in Medical Care

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  • Charles E. Phelps

Abstract

This paper presents evidence that doctors behave very differently in making treatment recommendations depending on the region where they work, creating large variations in the quantities of care delivered to seemingly standardized populations. This evidence on "variations" (and the failure of normal explanations of the variations) leaves almost by default the idea that incomplete diffusion of information about the efficacy of medical information must be largely responsible. The paper then discusses reasons why this problem might occur: difficulties in collecting information about the success of medical procedures; difficulties in establishing property rights to such information, even if it were to be collected; and liability considerations that hinder adoption of any information that is collected. It concludes with some suggestions for addressing these problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles E. Phelps, 1992. "Diffusion of Information in Medical Care," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 6(3), pages 23-42, Summer.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:6:y:1992:i:3:p:23-42
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.6.3.23
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.6.3.23
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dionne, Georges, 1984. "Search and Insurance," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 25(2), pages 357-367, June.
    2. Stigler, George J, 1973. "A Sketch of the History of Truth in Teaching," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 81(2), pages 491-495, Part I, M.
    3. Charles E. Phelps, 1976. "Demand for Reimbursement Insurance," NBER Chapters, in: The Role of Health Insurance in the Health Services Sector, pages 115-162, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets

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