Trends in physicians' patient volume

This paper presents data on patient visits from 1959 to 1974 which question the assertion that physicians' patient volume has increased in the long run. The data then will be examined in the context of a macrolevel model. The variables in this, shown as causes of physicians' patient volume, technology and support workers per physician, derive from economic theory of manpower productivity. Contrary to expectations, patient volume has not increased. The discussion suggests that any increases in patient volume have been more than offset by increases in the specialization of care. It is difficult to draw implications from changes in the macrolevel data and from the conceptual discussion presented here.