Socioeconomic differences in the use of physician services in Nova Scotia.

OBJECTIVES: Socioeconomic differences in use of physician services in Nova Scotia, Canada were examined. METHODS: The study was based on survey data, containing information on socioeconomic status, linked to physician claims data. Socioeconomic differences in use of physician services were estimated, adjusted for age, sex, and region of residence. RESULTS: Large socioeconomic differences were observed in the use of physician services, with use inversely related to both household income and education. These differences remained after adjustment for age, sex, and region. CONCLUSIONS: Use of physician services is inversely associated with socioeconomic status.