PROVISION OF PRIMARY-PREVENTIVE HEALTH-CARE SERVICES BY OBSTETRICIAN-GYNECOLOGISTS

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.