Stanford researchers analyzed referral patterns of independent physicians and hospital-employed physicians, according to PBS Newshour.
The National Bureau of Economic Research published the report.
Here are five observations:
1. The researchers found that if physicians are employed by hospitals, they will most likely send patients to their employer hospitals for treatment.
2. The findings raised concerns that patients aren't receiving the highest quality of care, if physicians are pushed into certain decisions because of their hospital bosses.
3. The study authors reported that physicians employed by hospitals sent an average of 83 percent of patients to their employer hospitals.
4. Patients admitted to their physicians' parent hospital tended to receive a more expensive and lesser quality experience.
5. The researchers encouraged more investigation on the topic, as they used 2009 Medicare data that was recorded before many hospitals initiated quality improvements.
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