A model for physician utilization within 2 weeks. Analysis of Norwegian data.

This study considers Norwegian physician utilization to be determined by need, enabling, and predisposing variables. The main issue is whether factors aside from need create any differences in physician use. In this article, we analyze the number of contacts with physicians in a period of 2 weeks. We consider models for a first contact and follow-up contacts with physicians. Physician utilization in the 2-week period is studied by logistic regression models for a person's first contact and follow-up contacts with physicians. The number of follow-up contacts is analyzed by a simple regression model. Because the total number of physician contacts is the sum of a first visit and the number of follow-up contacts, we are able to study the effect of the need, enabling, and predisposing variables related to the total number of contacts with physicians.