Appendectomies during physicians' boycott. Analysis of surgical care.

The 1975 San Francisco physicians' boycott caused major changes in patterns of providing surgical care, but there was no appreciable change in the number of appendectomies performed during the boycott month when compared with a six-month baseline period. The ratio of normal to inflamed appendices removed was no different during the boycott than it was during the control period, and no differences were noted in the percentage of cases perforating in the boycott month when compared with the control period. In addition, patients seeking care for appendicitis during the boycott month did not experience delays. The lack of change in the standard direct and indirect indicators used to monitor quality of care suggests no major lapses in appendicitis care occurred in San Francisco during the boycott.