Medical care
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This paper presents a descriptive narrative of a mathematical manpower model and the results of an analysis of the effect physician extenders have on medical costs and manpower requirements. The model is extensively developed, through the use of a new medical classification system in the area of delegation of specific task areas and patient visits to physician extenders. ⋯ Results are presented that analyze the use of physician extenders from the following viewpoints: minimum cost solution for adult medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN); maximum physician extender use; effect of physician extender salary on minimum cost utilization; level of independence exercised; size of clinic and regional manpower planning; and a case study of HMO planning. The type of results presented include cost analysis, manpower analysis, and the types of patient visits best delegated to physician extenders (PE).