[What does the higher concentration of general practitioners mean for fee-for-service reimbursement].
The density of general practitioners has increased steadily in Norway. By the end of 1989, there were 1,339 inhabitants per general practitioner. General practitioners are partly remunerated per item of service, i.e., by reimbursement from the National Insurance Fund and partly by patient co-payment. The article analyses the connection between density of general practitioner and level of fee-for-service reimbursement. The average general practitioner received about 60% higher fee-for-service reimbursement in 1989 than in 1985. This increase is markedly higher than the nominal changes in the tariff. The increase was somewhat higher in areas with a relatively low density of general practitioners. Also, in each of the years 1985-1989, the average fee-for-service reimbursement was slightly higher in areas with a low density of general practitioners. The variations have only a slight impact on the gross revenues of general practitioners. Three models explaining the use of general medical services are outlined. The results can be interpreted in the light of changes in health, changes in health-related behaviour, and supplier-induced demand. Since only aggregate data are available, it is difficult to further explore possible explanations.