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March 1988 (Volume 66)
Quarterly Article
Morris L. Barer
Robert G. Evans
Roberta J. Labelle
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Sep 2, 2026
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Uniform and binding fee schedules for physicians have been advanced as a cost-control strategy that can also improve patient access to care, as well as spread costs more equitably. Counter-arguments, however, predict very different effects on utilization and costs. Empirical evidence to challenge economic theories of physician behavior may be drawn from Canada. The experience of innovative policies of two provinces-within a national framework-emphasizes a multipronged approach to fees, practice patterns, and numbers of physicians; political will and ongoing negotiations are necessary.
Author(s): Morris L. Barer; Robert G. Evans; Roberta J. Labelle
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Volume 66, Issue 1 (pages 1–64) Published in 1988
