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American Economic Review: Vol. 103 No. 1 (February 2013)
The Impact of Medical Liability Standards on Regional Variations in Physician Behavior: Evidence from the Adoption of National-Standard Rules
Article Citation
Frakes, Michael. 2013. "The Impact of Medical Liability Standards on Regional Variations in Physician Behavior: Evidence from the Adoption of National-Standard Rules."
The American Economic Review,
103(1): 257-76.
DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.1.257
DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.1.257
Abstract
I explore the association between regional variations in physician
behavior and the geographical scope of malpractice standards of
care. I estimate a 30-50 percent reduction in the gap between state
and national utilization rates of various treatments and diagnostic
procedures following the adoption of a rule requiring physicians
to follow national, as opposed to local, standards. These findings
suggest that standardization in malpractice law may lead to greater
standardization in practices and, more generally, that physicians may
indeed adhere to specific liability standards. In connection with the
estimated convergence in practices, I observe no associated changes
in patient health. (JEL I11, I18, J44, K13)
Article Full-Text Access
Full-text Article
Additional Materials
Download Data Set (753.99 KB) | Online Appendix (150.69 KB)
Authors
Frakes, Michael (Cornell U)
JEL Classifications
I11: Analysis of Health Care Markets
I18: Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
J44: Professional Labor Markets; Occupational Licensing
K13: Tort Law and Product Liability
I18: Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
J44: Professional Labor Markets; Occupational Licensing
K13: Tort Law and Product Liability
