Smith, Kenneth R., Marianne Miller, and Fredrick L. Golladay. 1972. "An Analysis of the Optimal Use of Inputs in the Production of Medical Services." Journal of Human Resources 7(2):208-225.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of employing "physicians' assistants" in delivering primary medical care. It seeks to identify the optimal role of paramedical personnel and to assess the impact of efficient delegation of tasks on the productivity of the physician, his opportunities for leisure, and the cost of care. The technical opportunities for delegation and the specific demands for medical services imposed on the primary care practice are identified. These data are then analyzed in an activity analysis model of the practice to identify and assess the implications of efficient patterns of delegation.

The authors are, respectively, Associate Professor of Economics, Research Assistant, and Assistant Professor of Economics, The University of Wisconsin, Madison. The project upon which this paper is based was performed pursuant to Contract No. HSM 110-70-355 with the Health Services and Mental Health Administration, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. An earlier draft of the paper was presented to the Western Economics Association meetings August 30, 1971, in Vancouver, B.C. The authors wish to acknowledge the able assistance of Kathy Charles, David Hendrickson, Melissa Kepner, Marilyn Manser, Candy McKanna, Gregg Miklashek, Thomas Norris, Michael Weiner, and Robert Whitehouse. They also wish to thank the physicians whose practices were observed for their cooperation. Finally, they wish to acknowledge valuable advice and encouragement from Professors Ralph Andreano, Marc Hansen, Allen Kelley, Louis Pondy, and John Renner.

© 2003 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

US ISSN 0022-166X

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