Access to and Utilization of Neurolgists By People With MS
Access To and Utilization of Neurologists by People With MS This study examined access to and use of
neurologists among a broad, national sample of people with MS; identified demographic, economic, and clinical factors associated with access and use; and examined differences in treatment and management of MS. Data was collected from 2,156 people with MS on demographics, disease characteristics, and use of neurologists, other specialists, and disease-modifying agents (DMAs). For their usual MS care, 72.2% of participants saw a neurologist. The probability of seeing a neurologist was signifi cantly lower for people who lacked health insurance, were poor, lived in rural areas, or were African American; had been ill for more than 15 years; had difficulty walking, but did not use an assistive device; or required a wheelchair/scooter or were confined to bed. People who reported one to two relapses in the preceding year and women were signifi cantly more likely to see neurologists. Patients of neurologists were significantly more likely to take a DMA, attend an outpatient rehabilitation program, or see an occupational therapist, urologist, or physical therapist. In conclusion, people with MS who see neurologists are more likely than people who see other providers to receive treatment with disease-modifying agents and see rehabilitation specialists and urologists. While some people may choose other providers, economic, insurance, racial, and geographic factors appear to limit access to neurologists. This article is published in Neurology.
Available from: http://www.pubmed.gov PMID: 18362274