Family physicians seeing fewer prenatal visits
The decline sparks concerns about limits on training opportunities and women's access to care.
By Susan J. Landers
June 22, 2009
American Medical News

There has been a sharp drop during the past decade in prenatal care provided by family physicians, particularly in rural areas, according to a new study.

Although the total number of prenatal visits nationwide remained stable during the period studied, researchers found that visits to family physicians fell from 11.6% in 1995-96 to 6.1% in 2003-04. The decline was more severe when less-populated areas were examined. The drop there was from 38.6% to 12.9% during the same times. ...