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 medica l examination by three medical specialties. Reasons for medical visits by women to obstetrician-gynecologists were compared with other medic al specialties, and women who rely on obstetrician-gynecologists for t heir 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 olde r than either general-family practitioners or internists. This finding was also true for women of reproductive age, defined as those 15-44 y ears old. When asked if they considered themselves primary care provid ers or specialists, 48.3% of ACOG fellows designated the former. Concl usion: Obstetrician-gynecologists are important providers of primary a nd preventive care for women, and nearly half of all obstetrician-gyne cologists consider themselves to be primary care providers.