OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the extent of the use of acupuncture and the characteristics of general practitioners using acupuncture. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of 1996 Health Insurance Commission data on claims by all non-specialist medical practitioners for Medicare Benefits Schedule items for an attendance where acupuncture was performed by a medical practitioner. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of acupuncture by general practitioners and the practitioners' sex, age, place of primary medical qualification, and the socioeconomic disadvantage index of the practitioners' practice. RESULTS: 15.1% of general practitioners claimed for acupuncture. Acupuncture was more likely to be provided by male practitioners, by those aged 35-54 years, and by practitioners who have an overseas primary medical qualification. The socioeconomic index of the practice did not significantly affect the number of claims for acupuncture. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is used by about one in seven general practitioners. Its use is associated with middle-aged practitioners, who presumably have more clinical experience. This level of use by experienced doctors suggests that a critical review of the appropriate role of acupuncture in general practice should be considered.
OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the extent of the use of acupuncture and the characteristics of general practitioners using acupuncture. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of 1996 Health Insurance Commission data on claims by all non-specialist medical practitioners for Medicare Benefits Schedule items for an attendance where acupuncture was performed by a medical practitioner. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of acupuncture by general practitioners and the practitioners' sex, age, place of primary medical qualification, and the socioeconomic disadvantage index of the practitioners' practice. RESULTS: 15.1% of general practitioners claimed for acupuncture. Acupuncture was more likely to be provided by male practitioners, by those aged 35-54 years, and by practitioners who have an overseas primary medical qualification. The socioeconomic index of the practice did not significantly affect the number of claims for acupuncture. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is used by about one in seven general practitioners. Its use is associated with middle-aged practitioners, who presumably have more clinical experience. This level of use by experienced doctors suggests that a critical review of the appropriate role of acupuncture in general practice should be considered.
Authors: D R Cincotta; N W Crawford; A Lim; N E Cranswick; S Skull; M South; C V E Powell Journal: Arch Dis Child Date: 2005-09-15 Impact factor: 3.791
Authors: Charlie C L Xue; Anthony L Zhang; Vivian Lin; Ray Myers; Barbara Polus; David F Story Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2008-04-01 Impact factor: 3.295