Patient problems in the office practice of six family physicians in Louisiana

Using the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) classification of disease, the patient problems encountered in six family practice offices were classified. The top 20 diagnoses are identified, collectively and individually, and compared with the top 20 diagnoses encountered in a similar, but larger study done in Virginia. The present study includes a regional practice profile based on the disease categories of Royal College of General Practitioners, which was compared with the distribution of problems in the Virginia data. This study confirms the Virginia information on the most frequently encountered problems. Collectively, southeastern Louisiana profiles show fewer respiratory problems and more circulatory problems than the Virginia study. Individually, each practice has a distinct enough profile to warrant consideration of individual practice profiles at the time of re-certification examination or planning of continuing education programs.