The Article in Brief

Background: Previous research has shown that a small percentage of patients incur a high amount of health care costs overall. This study set out to better understand the characteristics of patients who use high levels of primary care resources.
What This Study Found: During 1 year, 2% of patients accounted for 18% of visits to their primary care doctors and 11% of total paid insurance claims. Patients who make frequent doctor visits include those with unstable chronic medical conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis), conditions involving the mind and body (such as stress), and minor medical symptoms (such as headache).
Implications:
• Many patients in this study made repeated doctor visits for relatively minor medical conditions. They are therefore “overserviced” but “underserved” by the medical system.
• Although the medical system focused on easing their physical symptoms, such patients might benefit more from social support, stress reduction programs, psychological treatment, and attention to nonmedical issues.