MEDICAL GROUP PRACTICE IN CALIFORNIA

A 1950 study of group practice in California reveals 52 “true general medical groups” among 123 medical organizations surveyed, involving 634 full-time and 215 part-time physicians. The groups, in contrast to the national patterns, tend to be larger, younger and more urban. There is also a greater tendency toward unit hospital affiliation (30 groups) and operation of group prepayment plans (10 groups).In general similarity to the national scene, California groups are most frequently organized as private partnerships with a salary method of remuneration sometimes augmented by a share of net earnings. The range of medical and technical services offered varies widely with the size of the group.The combination of group prepayment, medical group practice, and coordinated medical-hospital centers seems to offer special opportunities for satisfactory practice and adequate medical care.     

MEDICAL GROUP PRACTICE IN CALIFORNIA

The increase of addiction to barbiturates and in the number of deaths from overdoses constitutes a growing and serious health problem. Although the symptoms of both acute and chronic barbiturate intoxication resemble those of other drug intoxications, correct diagnosis can be made through an accurate history, a physical examination and the finding of increased nonprotein nitrogen in the blood and of a characteristic fast pattern in an electroencephalogram.Metrazol(R) and electrostimulation, with adjuvant therapy, are discussed as the most advantageous methods of treating acute barbiturate intoxication; the addition of emetics to barbiturates to prevent overdosage is considered. Carefully controlled withdrawal and psychiatric rehabilitation are necessary to treatment of addiction, but as patients are usually uncooperative the prognosis is poor.