Market power and contract form: evidence from physician group practices

Int J Health Care Finance Econ. 2011 Jun;11(2):115-32. doi: 10.1007/s10754-011-9091-9. Epub 2011 May 12.

Abstract

We examine how the market power of physician groups affects the form of their contracts with health insurers. We develop a simple model of physician contracting based on 'behavioral economics' and test it with data from two sources: a survey of physician group practices in Minnesota; and the physician component of the Community Tracking Survey. In both data sets we find that increases in groups' market power are associated with proportionately more fee-for-service revenue and less revenue from capitation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / economics*
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / organization & administration
  • Capitation Fee / statistics & numerical data
  • Contracts / economics
  • Contracts / standards
  • Economic Competition
  • Fee-for-Service Plans / economics*
  • Fee-for-Service Plans / statistics & numerical data
  • Group Practice / economics*
  • Group Practice / organization & administration
  • Group Practice / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Managed Care Programs / economics*
  • Managed Care Programs / organization & administration
  • Marketing of Health Services / economics
  • Marketing of Health Services / organization & administration
  • Minnesota
  • Models, Economic
  • Regression Analysis