J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2008 Apr;43(2):187-192. 10.4055/jkoa.2008.43.2.187.

Visiting Pattern of Outpatient Clinics and Concordance ofDiagnosis in Rotator Cuff Disorder

• Park JY
• Seo JB

• KMID: 2106438
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2008.43.2.187

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pattern of patient referrals to shoulder surgeons and to evaluate the differences in diagnosis between shoulder surgeons and other doctors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 2002 to December 2003, we reviewed 695 patients who were diagnosed with rotator cuff disorders; 320 patients were male and 375 were female. The average age was 52 years old. We classified patients into three referral types: 1) outside transfers were referred from other hospitals or local clinics, 2) internal transfers were referred by doctors in our hospital, and 3) self-initiated, which did not have a referral. We classified the diagnostic concordance as Incorrect, Similar, or Correct.
RESULTS
The number of outside transfers was 254, with most referrals from orthopedic surgeons (142 patients). We received 162 internal transfers, mostly from family doctors (44 patients). For outside transfers, diagnosis was incorrect in 60 patients (24%), similar in 135 patients (53%), and correct in 59 patients (23%). Diagnosis in internal transfers was incorrect in 11 patients (7%), similar in 139 patients (86%), and correct in 12 patients (7%).
CONCLUSION
Most physicians seem unfamiliar with rotator cuff disorders. To improve management of these patients, we should increase awareness of these diseases in the general public as well as physicians.

Keyword

Rotator cuff disorder; Visiting pattern; Accuracy of diagnosis

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care Facilities
Female
Humans
Male
Orthopedics
Outpatients
Referral and Consultation
Rotator Cuff
Shoulder

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