Comparison of primary care resident physicians' practice styles during initial and return patient visits

New adult patients (n = 212) were randomly assigned to 58 primary care resi dent physicians. Physician practice styles during initial and return visits were analyzed using the Davis Observation Code. Compared with initial pati ent visits, return visits were shorter, but more world-intensive. Return vi sits displayed significantly less technically oriented behavior (including history taking, physical examination, and treatment planning) and fewer dis cussions regarding use of addictive substances; however, there was more emp hasis on health behaviors and active involvement of patients in their own c are. These physicians' practice style differences between initial and retur n patient visits suggest that physician-patient familiarity affects what ha ppens during the medical interview.