C-SECTION RATE/PAYMENT SOURCE
A California study reveals a significant relationship between the incidence of C-section and the method of payment for medical services. Patients who have private insurance were more likely to have undergone C-section, while those on the Medicaid program, or those in prepaid health plans or health maintenance organizations had lower rates. Women who were responsible for the medical bills themselves had the lowest incidence of C-sections. (American Journal of Public Health 78(1)96-97, January 2988) Copyright Phylis Austin

PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE LABS
Physicians who have laboratories in their office to enable them to perform tests on their patients have been cautioned that they must provide minimal quality control tests. Some of these tests should be run each time a batch of tests is performed. A recent study demonstrated that many office labs did not run quality control tests, and many of those who did run the tests ran them too infrequently to assure accuracy of the test results. The physicians were also cautioned that laboratory personnel should be properly trained in testing procedures. (Pediatric News 23(8)1, 37, August 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin

MEDICAL COSTS
A recent Medical Outcomes Study revealed that physicians who specialize order more medications and more tests for their patients and charge more for their services. (Medical World News 33(4)17, April 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin