Preventive care visits with OB/GYNs and generalist physicians among reproductive-age women with chronic conditions

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.