While most physicians hold managed care contracts (88% in 2001, as shown in Exhibit 6.1), a much smaller proportion, 32%, had capitated contracts in 2001 (contracts where the physician is paid a specific amount per patient). Primary care physicians are more likely than specialists to have capitated contracts: about half of primary care physicians had a capitated contract in 2001, compared to between 11% and 37% of specialists.

Source: American Medical Association, 2001 Patient Care Physician Survey.