Primary care physicians' utilization and perceptions of genetics services.
OBJECTIVE
To document primary care physicians' utilization and perceptions of genetics services.


METHODS
A randomized survey of physicians in the Pacific Northwest.


RESULTS
The greatest factor prompting a genetics referral was the patient's interest in the evaluation, and the most common reason not to obtain a consultation was the perception that it was of no benefit to the patient. Genetics consultation was rarely sought for a family history of cancer or for deafness, polycystic kidney disease, or congenital heart disease. Even when uncertain about relative risk, physicians usually counseled a patient themselves rather than referring to a specialist.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care physicians need more education about the genetic component of many diseases to provide directly and to refer appropriately for genetics services.
Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA. hayflick@ohsu.edu
S J
SJ
Hayflick
M P
MP
Eiff
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Carpenter
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J
Steinberger
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003625:Data Collection; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D015205:Northwestern United States; D010465:Perception; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D000078329:Workforce