A comparison of morbidity and services provided in three primary care settings.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and compare the pattern of morbidity in a general practice casualty with primary care patients in emergency departments (EDs).


METHODS
Patients presenting to a general practice casualty and primary care patients in two EDs in Sydney, NSW.


RESULTS
The pattern of morbidity in the general practice casualty was similar to that among ambulatory patients in EDs.


CONCLUSIONS
Opportunities may exist to substitute care between casualty services provided by GPs and those provided in EDs.
Bolton
Patrick
P
South West Sydney Area Health Service, School of Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.
Mira
Michael
M
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D003954:Diagnostic Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012044:Regression Analysis