OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which obstetrician-gynecologists serve as primary care providers for women 15 years and older. METHODS: Three national data bases were analyzed to determine if differences exist in the content of care provided to women during a general medical examination by three medical specialties. Reasons for medical visits by women to obstetrician-gynecologists were compared with other medical specialties, and women who rely on obstetrician-gynecologists for their care were characterized demographically. Survey data on the self-perceived role of obstetrician-gynecologists as primary care providers were also examined. RESULTS: Obstetrician-gynecologists provided more office-based, general medical examinations to women 15 years and older than either general-family practitioners or internists. This finding was also true for women of reproductive age, defined as those 15-44 years old. When asked if they considered themselves primary care providers or specialists, 48.3% of ACOG fellows designated the former. CONCLUSION: Obstetrician-gynecologists are important providers of primary and preventive care for women, and nearly half of all obstetrician-gynecologists consider themselves to be primary care providers.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which obstetrician-gynecologists serve as primary care providers for women 15 years and older. METHODS: Three national data bases were analyzed to determine if differences exist in the content of care provided to women during a general medical examination by three medical specialties. Reasons for medical visits by women to obstetrician-gynecologists were compared with other medical specialties, and women who rely on obstetrician-gynecologists for their care were characterized demographically. Survey data on the self-perceived role of obstetrician-gynecologists as primary care providers were also examined. RESULTS: Obstetrician-gynecologists provided more office-based, general medical examinations to women 15 years and older than either general-family practitioners or internists. This finding was also true for women of reproductive age, defined as those 15-44 years old. When asked if they considered themselves primary care providers or specialists, 48.3% of ACOG fellows designated the former. CONCLUSION: Obstetrician-gynecologists are important providers of primary and preventive care for women, and nearly half of all obstetrician-gynecologists consider themselves to be primary care providers.
Authors: Ruth Link-Gelles; Allison T Chamberlain; Jay Schulkin; Kevin Ault; Ellen Whitney; Katherine Seib; Saad B Omer Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2012-12
Authors: Julie Schmittdiel; Joe V Selby; Bix Swain; Stacie L Daugherty; Thomas K Leong; Michael Ho; Karen L Margolis; Patrick O'Connor; David J Magid; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo Journal: Hypertension Date: 2011-02-21 Impact factor: 10.190