Primary and preventive care services provided by obstetrician-gynecologists
Horton, J.A.; Cruess, D.F.; Pearse, W.H.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 82(5): 723-726
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 8414315 Document Number: 414932
Objective: To determine the level and types of primary and preventive care services delivered by obstetrician-gynecologists. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1250 obstetrician-gynecologists practicing in the United States. The response rate was 71%. Results: Fifty-three percent of the respondents indicated that they provide primary and preventive care during more than half of their practice time. Although obstetrician-gynecologists provide a wide range of preventive services, the proportion of doctors providing any specific service varies. Whereas virtually all (92% or more) obstetrician gynecologists provide or order blood pressure screening, breast examinations, mammography, and Papanicolaou tests, only six of ten report regular cholesterol screening for most of their patients. A higher percentage of female obstetrician-gynecologists, who are on average younger than their male counterparts, report that they provide primary preventive services to most of their patients. Conclusion: The majority of obstetrician-gynecologists provide a wide range of primary and preventive care services to their patients, although there is variability in the proportion of doctors providing any specific service to most (60% or more) of their patients.