DIAGNOSTIC AGREEMENT BETWEEN PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIANS AND NEUROLOGISTS

The ability of primary care physicians (PCPs) to diagnose neurologic d isorders was assessed from the records of 166 patients referred to the neurology outpatient clinic in one year. At the time of referral, 74. 7% were correctly diagnosed. Primary care physicians were competent in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents, epilepsy, space-occupying lesions, dementia, extrapyramidal and cerebellar disorders. More spec ific diagnosis was difficult at the primary care level in cases of hea dache, spinal cord and peripheral nerve disorders. The implications of these results and possible reasons for them are discussed. Solutions to improve on this situation are recommended with emphasis on both und ergraduate and postgraduate training in neurological bedside skills. T he complementary roles of the primary care physician and the neurologi st are stressed.