Family medical care: who provides it, who receives it?

A national survey of physicians was used to examine the extent to which they provide family care. Care of other family members was noted for 64.9% of patients of family physicians, 33.9% of patients of general internists, and lesser percentages for patients of medical subspecialists and surgeons. Family physicians in office-based practice and those in rural areas show the highest percentages of family care. Family care is more likely to be noted for patients receiving obstetrical and preventive care and least likely for patients receiving care for psychosocial problems. Family care is most common for children 10 years and under and for older adults, and least common for males 21-30 years of age.