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Acupuncture in Australian general practice: practitioner characteristics
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 11:03 authored by Easthope, G, Beiby, JJ, Gill, GF, Bruce TranterBruce TranterObjectives: To ascertain the extent of the use of acupuncture and the characteristics of general practitioners using acupuncture. Design: Secondary analysis of 1996 Health Insurance Commission data on claims by all non-specialist medical practitioners for Medicare Benefits Schedule items for an attendance where acupuncture was performed by a medical practitioner. Main outcome measures: Use of acupuncture by general practitioners and the practitioners' sex, age, place of primary medical qualification, and the socioeconomic disadvantage index of the practitioners' practice. Results: 15.1% of general practitioners claimed for acupuncture. Acupuncture was more likely to be provided by male practitioners, by those aged 35-54 years, and by practitioners who have an overseas primary medical qualification. The socioeconomic index of the practice did not significantly affect the number of claims for acupuncture. Conclusion: Acupuncture is used by about one in seven general practitioners. Its use is associated with middle-aged practitioners, who presumably have more clinical experience. This level of use by experienced doctors suggests that a critical review of the appropriate role of acupuncture in general practice should be considered.
History
Publication title
The Medical Journal of AustraliaVolume
169Issue
4Pagination
197-200ISSN
0025-729XDepartment/School
School of Social SciencesPublisher
Australasian Medical Publishing Co LtdPlace of publication
SydneyRepository Status
- Restricted