Physician Practice Patterns: Why and How We Should Use Them

Abstract

The author presents an historical overview of the development of physician practice pattern data. The value of this data, correctly presented, for comparing physician practice activity across geographical areas and for the same presenting clinical problems is dis cussed. In addition, variations in practice patterns have been used to probe questions of quality. The article argues for the use of practice pattern varia tions by utilization review physicians. The immense value of physician to physician interaction and its resultant value in motivating physician change are documented from recent literature.