Attitudes of referring physicians regarding total joint replacement: a preliminary report.

More than 800,000 artificial hip joints have been implanted in Americans. Similarly, a large and increasing number of artificial knee joints are being implanted. The successful replacement of deteriorated and severely injured joints permits continued mobility and independent living for many patients who would otherwise be disabled. Recent changes in the delivery of health care raises certain questions regarding access to specialty care. These questions may be even more critical in the African-American community where recent studies have shown that hip and knee replacement are underused in African Americans. This article describes a study undertaken to ascertain the attitudes of referring physicians (primary care) regarding joint replacement.