Open AccessPhysicians' Reports of Focused Expertise in Clinical Practice
Author(s) -
Keating Nancy L.,
Zaslavsky Alan M.,
Ayanian John Z.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2000.08003.x
Subject(s) - medicine , specialty , staffing , capitation , family medicine , primary care , medline , nursing , health care , medical education , economic growth , political science , law , economics
Little is known about the prevalence of focused expertise (special areas of expertise within a clinical field) among physicians, yet such expertise may influence how care is delivered. We surveyed general internists, pediatricians, cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and orthopedic surgeons to describe the prevalence of focused expertise and identify associated physician and practice characteristics. About one quarter of generalists and three quarters of specialists reported a focused expertise within their primary specialty. Hospital‐based physicians more often reported such expertise, and physicians reimbursed by capitation less often reported expertise. Learning how focused expertise affects processes and outcomes of care will contribute to decisions about physician training and staffing of medical groups.