This study examines equity in access to medical care by income in 21 OECD countries, focusing on physician utilization in 2000. The research finds that in about half of the countries, physician utilization is more favorable for higher-income individuals. The degree of pro-rich inequity is highest in the United States and Mexico, followed by Finland, Portugal, and Sweden. In most countries, general practitioner (GP) visits are fairly equally distributed across income groups, with no significant inequity. However, specialist care is more pro-rich in most countries, with higher-income individuals more likely to see specialists than lower-income individuals. This pro-rich inequity is especially pronounced in Portugal, Finland, and Ireland. The study uses concentration indices to measure inequity in doctor utilization, adjusting for need differences. The results show that, after controlling for need, higher-income individuals are more likely to see specialists than lower-income individuals. The findings suggest that the distribution of specialist care is more pro-rich than GP care, leading to a somewhat pro-rich distribution of total doctor utilization. This phenomenon is reinforced when private insurance or private care options are available. The study also highlights differences in the use of primary care (GP) and secondary care (specialist) services. In most countries, GP visits are equitably distributed across income groups, with any significant inequity often being pro-poor. In contrast, specialist care is more pro-rich in most countries. The study notes that in countries with private insurance options, the pro-rich inequity in specialist care is more pronounced. The study concludes that while general practitioner care is fairly equitable, specialist care tends to be more pro-rich, leading to a somewhat pro-rich distribution of total doctor utilization. This is particularly true in countries with private insurance options. The study also notes that the findings may not fully capture the extent of health inequalities, as quality differences in care may exacerbate quantity differences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both quantity and quality of care when assessing health equity.This study examines equity in access to medical care by income in 21 OECD countries, focusing on physician utilization in 2000. The research finds that in about half of the countries, physician utilization is more favorable for higher-income individuals. The degree of pro-rich inequity is highest in the United States and Mexico, followed by Finland, Portugal, and Sweden. In most countries, general practitioner (GP) visits are fairly equally distributed across income groups, with no significant inequity. However, specialist care is more pro-rich in most countries, with higher-income individuals more likely to see specialists than lower-income individuals. This pro-rich inequity is especially pronounced in Portugal, Finland, and Ireland. The study uses concentration indices to measure inequity in doctor utilization, adjusting for need differences. The results show that, after controlling for need, higher-income individuals are more likely to see specialists than lower-income individuals. The findings suggest that the distribution of specialist care is more pro-rich than GP care, leading to a somewhat pro-rich distribution of total doctor utilization. This phenomenon is reinforced when private insurance or private care options are available. The study also highlights differences in the use of primary care (GP) and secondary care (specialist) services. In most countries, GP visits are equitably distributed across income groups, with any significant inequity often being pro-poor. In contrast, specialist care is more pro-rich in most countries. The study notes that in countries with private insurance options, the pro-rich inequity in specialist care is more pronounced. The study concludes that while general practitioner care is fairly equitable, specialist care tends to be more pro-rich, leading to a somewhat pro-rich distribution of total doctor utilization. This is particularly true in countries with private insurance options. The study also notes that the findings may not fully capture the extent of health inequalities, as quality differences in care may exacerbate quantity differences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both quantity and quality of care when assessing health equity.