Patterns of Ambulatory Care in Internal Medicine: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, United States, January 1980-December 1981

摘要

Data on the ambulatory medical care provided during visits to office-based internists are presented. Individual practice profiles are drawn for female and male physicians and for different age groups of physicians. Patterns of care are described for physicians in solo or other practices and for those in the four major geographic regions and in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Descriptors of practice include patient demographic characteristics, prior visit status, and patient condition. Data are also presented on the patient management techniques utilized, including diagnostic services, medication therapy, and nonmedication therapy. Comparisons are made between practice patterns of internists and other specialists.