Women going to OB-GYN for general medical advice

Whether it’s for a check up, a mammogram or prescription refills, most women see their OB-GYNs once a year. But more and more patients are turning to OB-GYNs for general medical advice, and the economy may be to blame.

At just 22 years old, Jamie Moore is a healthy young woman. But she’s seen her OB-GYN five or six times just this year for a range healthcare issues. 
Jamie Moore, Patient: “A stomach ache or heart racing, or just colds or headaches, things of that sort.“
Dr. Roderick Diggs says because OB-GYNs see their patients regularly - they develop a long term relationship. 
Dr. Diggs: “And over time that relationship becomes closer, so we become someone that they trust and so they’ll come to us.“

Dr. Diggs says this is a trend he’s seen for several years, but with these tough economic times, he’s says more patients are turning to him, so they’re not faced with two separate copays.
Dr. Diggs: “If it’s simple, it’s fine. However, if it’s something that is a little more complicated or something that’s going to be a long term issue, like blood pressure issues, cholesterol issues, then I encourage them to go see a PCP.“
Jamie says she really has a greater comfort level with Dr. Diggs than with any other doctor.

Moore: “The relationship that you form as a woman first is with your OB-GYN.“
And she plans to continue looking to him for all her basic healthcare needs.