Characteristics of patients seen and services provided in primary care visits in obstetrics/gynecology: data from NAMCS and NHAMCS.

Debate continues on the role of obstetricians/gynecologists in women's primary care and there is conflicting data on what these physicians actually do. Using data from nationally representative surveys, we found that obstetricians/gynecologists identify themselves as primary care providers for 21.7% of private physician office visits and 22.2% of hospital-based outpatient clinic visits. Primary care visits more often involved pregnancy care and less often included referred patients. Other demographic characteristics had different effects in community office practices versus hospital outpatient clinic visits. In general, preventive services and counseling were more likely to be provided in general/gynecologic examinations not designated as primary care provider visits. However, the more frequent provision of mental health counseling and lower rates of mammography services in primary care visits suggest that these obstetricians/gynecologists may serve a more longitudinal role in care for their patients. Overall, there continues to be strong variation in the role of obstetricians/gynecologists in women's primary care.