NP Medical News about Prenatal Care; Rural Areas

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Role of FPs in Prenatal Care Declining Even in Rural Areas
American Family Physician, 06/02/09

Mitchell D - The percentage of prenatal visits provided by family physicians decreased from 11.6 percent in 1995-96 to 6.1 percent in 2003-04 and the percentage of such visits to FPs in rural areas fell from 38.6 percent to 12.9 percent during that period. The drop in prenatal care services provided by family physicians in rural areas - designated as "non-metropolitan statistical areas," or non-MSAs, by the Office of Management and Budget - could not be attributed to an increase in obstetricians serving in those areas. Closure of some rural hospital maternity wards is one possible explanation for the declining role of FPs in prenatal care, and insurance issues also might be a factor. The declining role of family physicians in prenatal and maternity care could affect the specialty in the long term, including family medicine training. Women actually receive more comprehensive care from family physicians, compared with obstetricians, during prenatal care visits.

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