Constructing a Demographic Portrait

of Physicians Sanctioned by the Federal Government: Two Paths, but Only One Destination

Presenter: Bryan Burton

Presenter Status: Faculty

Academic Year: 19-20

Semester: Spring

Department: Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies

Abstract:
Researchers have used the Federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) to create demographic portraits of deviant physicians. This project describes how the process primarily consists of two enforcement paths. Demographic characteristics of 1,289 physicians who appeared on the LEIE during the years 2008 to 2013 were collected. Our dichotomous dependent variable was whether physicians were excluded for a quality of care matter or for a financial offense. There were seven independent variables. The demographic portrait that emerges from the LEIE is the result of the interplay between the doctors' behaviors and the characteristics of their practices, and the various legal institutions that deal with suspect doctors. A demographic portrait of physician violators can be useful for public policy, particularly, if one first considers the mechanisms that created the list.