SURVEY OF PHYSICIAN PRACTICE BEHAVIORS RELATED TO DIABETES-MELLITUS IN THE UNITED-STATES

OBJECTIVE- To summarize the frequency of physician adherence to consen sus recommendations for prevention of diabetic complications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS- Survey data from a nationwide stratified probabil ity sample of primary-care physicians were analyzed. Adherence to reco mmendations were reported by physician specialty, age-group, and type of diabetes treated. RESULTS- Adherence was high for eye exams, blood pressure measurements, neurological and circulatory exams, and laborat ory procedures using blood. Adherence was low for examination of the t eeth and gums, examination of the feet, and laboratory procedures invo lving die collection of urine. Internists generally had the highest ad herence rates and pediatricians the lowest. Reported adherence decreas ed with physician age. Adherence was higher for the management of indi viduals with IDDM than for those with NIDDM. CONCLUSIONS- Recommendati ons for the care of diabetic individuals need to be more widely implem ented. Recommendations targeted specifically to pediatricians may be n ecessary.