Physical examination status of children and adolescents in distinct health plans.

In this study, the relative effect of plan membership—fee-for-service and prepaid group—on the physical examination status of children and adolescents is investigated. The primary concern is to evaluate the impact of plan membership on the occurrence and rationale for the physical examination. A related interest is to explore the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and physical examination status of respondents. The results of analysis show that, for the sample as a whole, plan membership and the other explanatory variables had significant effects on both the occurrence and reason for the physical examination. In the analysis by plan, race was not explanatory. Only age and sex were significant in explaining differences in reasons given by respondents in the fee-for-service plan while all of the factors except race were significant for those in the prepaid group practice. Overall, there appears to be a prepaid group advantage in both the occurrence and giving of a preventive reason for the physical examination. This is thought to be tied to plan coverage. It is suggested that this type of practical consideration be reflected in research on use of preventive services.