OBSTETRICIAN-GYNECOLOGISTS AS PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIANS - THE OREGON EXPERIENCE - EARLY PERCEPTIONS REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess whether legislative action influe nced the role of obstetrician-gynecologists as primary care physicians . STUDY DESIGN: An observational study was performed on the basis of a questionnaire sent to 410 obstetrician-gynecologists and 27 medical d irectors of managed-care organizations. RESULTS: Of 67% of obstetricia n-gynecologists and 96% of medical directors who responded, there was agreement as to the content of primary care, but a minority (38%) of o bstetrician-gynecologists identified themselves as primary care provid ers. A minority of medical directors (35%) felt that obstetrician-gyne cologists should serve in that role. Both obstetrician-gynecologists a nd medical directors felt that legislation had little impact. CONCLUSI ON: The reticence of obstetrician-gynecologists to assume a major role in primary care appears to be the result of an uneasiness with accept ing a more comprehensive role in patient management and gatekeeping. T hey appear comfortable with the more traditional roles but feel that t raining and experience has not prepared them well for the management o f more complex medical problems.