Utilization of second medical opinions as a function of the payment method

In line with the RAND Corporation HIE, we show that incentive structures, such as provider payment methods, can explain some of the variability seen in seeking specialists across health plans or payment tracks. Considerations other than cost, such as geographic distance from the service provider, play a role in deciding on the mode-of-payment for a SO. Analyzing utilization patterns can improve the tracking of regulations' consequences on expenditure, policy, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.