Changes in Medicare billing patterns: implications for physician payment reform.

This paper examines the changes in the billing for office visits, hospital visits, and consultations in the Medicare program for the period of 1986 through 1988. The analysis does not correct for changes in beneficiary or provider characteristics over the three-year period. Findings indicate $75 million in additional Medicare expenditures due to change in pattern of physician charges for these three commonly performed groups of procedures.