John D. Winkler

The effects of excise taxes and regulations on cigarette smoking

We estimate a generalized linear model to examine adult and teenage cigarette demand. Out analysis focuses on the extent to which excise taxes and regulations restricting smoking in public places affect cigarette consumption. The adult results indicate that the price elasticity of demand is unstable over time, ranging from 0.06 in 1970 to -0.23 in 1985. These estimates are lower than most found in previous studies. The teenage price elasticity does not differ statistically from the estimates for adults. Additionally, regulations restricting smoking in public places have a significant effect on both adult and teenage cigarette demand.

The diffusion of magnetic resonance imaging scanners in a changing U.S. health care environment

Technological aspects and early clinical experiences are arousing great enthusiasm over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, influences such as regulation, reimbursement, and increasing competition also are playing important roles in determining the diffusion of this new technology. Of these considerations, competition among providers seems the most important. Competition related to MRI is manifested as direct competition over MRI services, using MRI to improve a providers strategic position and competition among specialties. In making decisions concerning MRI acquisition and operation, providers are drawing upon their experiences with computed tomography (CT) to help them determine when would be the best time for acquisition, how to decide whether acquisition is appropriate, and how best to acquire, operate, and market the technology.

Stylistic variations in National Institutes of Health consensus statements, 1979-1983.

This paper describes a content analysis of the statements of 24 Consensus Development Conferences conducted by the Office of Medical Applications of Research (OMAR) of the National Institutes of Health in the years 1979-1983. The goal was to understand the potential influence of the consensus statements by identifying characteristics that might determine whether and how physicians become aware of their findings and adopt their recommendations. Three characteristics emerged, each suggestive of a different style of consensus statement: discursiveness, didacticism, and scholarliness. Variations in style among consensus statements may affect their acceptance by the medical profession.