Assessing practice pattern differences in the treatment of acute low back pain in the United States Military Health System

摘要

BackgroundAcute low back pain is one of the most common reasons for individuals to seek medical care in the United States. The US Military Health System provides medical care to approximately 9.4 million beneficiaries annually. These patients also routinely suffer from acute low back pain. Within this health system, patients can receive care and treatment from physicians, or physician extenders including physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Given the diversity of provider types and their respective training programs, it would be informative to evaluate variation in care delivery, adherence to clinical guidelines, and differences within the MHS among a complex mix of provider types.