Provision of primary-preventive health care services by obstetrician-gynecologists

To determine the extent to which obstetrician-gynecologists serve as primary care providers for women 15 years and older.

Three national data bases were analyzed to determine if differences exist in the content of care provided to women during a general medical examination by three medical specialties. Reasons for medical visits by women to obstetrician-gynecologists were compared with other medical specialties, and women who rely on obstetrician-gynecologists for their care were characterized demographically. Survey data on the self-perceived role of obstetrician-gynecologists as primary care providers were also examined.

Obstetrician-gynecologists provided more office-based, general medical examinations to women 15 years and older than either general-family practitioners or internists. This finding was also true for women of reproductive age, defined as those 15-44 years old. When asked if they considered themselves primary care providers or specialists, 48.3% of ACOG fellows designated the former.

Obstetrician-gynecologists are important providers of primary and preventive care for women, and nearly half of all obstetrician-gynecologists consider themselves to be primary care providers.