Preventive care visits with <scp>OB</scp>/<scp>GYNs</scp> and generalist physicians among <scp>reproductive‐age</scp> women with chronic conditions
Laura B. Attanasio, Brittany L. Ranchoff, Chanup Jeung, Sarah L. Goff, Kimberley H. Geissler
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine services delivered during preventive care visits among reproductive-age women with and without chronic conditions by physician specialty. DATA SOURCES: National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (2011-2018). STUDY DESIGN: We examined provision of specific services during preventive care visits by physician specialty among reproductive-age female patients, overall and among women with five common chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, depression, hyperlipidemia, and asthma). DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: The sample included preventive visits to OB/GYNs or generalist physicians where the patient was female, age 18-44, and not pregnant. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In OB/GYN preventive visits, reproductive health services were more likely to be provided, while non-reproductive health services were less likely to be provided, both among reproductive-age female patients overall and among those with chronic conditions. For example, pap tests were provided in 44.5% of OB/GYN preventive visits (95% CI: 40.6-48.4) and in 21.4% of generalist preventive visits (95% CI: 17.2-26.6). Lipid testing was provided in 2.8% of OB/GYN preventive visits (95% CI: 1.7-3.9) and in 30.3% of generalist preventive visits (95% CI: 26.1-34.6). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the full range of care received in preventive visits across settings could guide recommendations to optimize where reproductive-age women with chronic conditions seek care.