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The consultant family physician
1Department of Family Medicine, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls 57101.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Family physicians often consult specialists, but also increasingly serve as consultants themselves. This role is vital for patient care coordination and utilizing procedural skills within the healthcare team.
Area of Science:
- Family Medicine
- Healthcare Systems
- Medical Collaboration
Background:
- Family physicians commonly refer patients to specialists.
- The role of family physicians as consultants is less understood.
- Collaboration is key in modern healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of specialists consulting family physicians.
- To identify the reasons behind these consultations.
- To highlight the collaborative role of family physicians.
Main Methods:
- A randomized questionnaire survey was distributed.
- Targeted family physicians across five midwestern states.
- Data collected on inter-specialty consultation patterns.
Main Results:
- 50% of surveyed physicians receive consultations from other family physicians.
- 35% receive consultations from generalist specialists.
- 28% receive consultations from subspecialists.
- Reasons include lack of a primary care physician, procedural skills, and patient management coordination.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians are integral members of the healthcare team.
- Their role extends beyond primary care to include specialized consultation.
- This collaborative model enhances patient evaluation and management.