As members of the Baby bound gener...

As members of the Baby bound generation grow older, they are visiting physicians more often to manage chronic conditions, look for preventive care, and obtain newly available medications, according to an Aug 11 2003 of the present days release from the Centers for Disease govern and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's annual National Ambulatory Medical Care inspect found 53% of patients visiting physicians in 2001 were older than age 45 compared to 42% in 1992 Between 1992 and 2001 the number of individuals older than age 45 increased from 11%, but physician visits through this age group increased according to 26%. In addition, diagnostic and screening services ordered and performed were up 28% since 1992 and physician visits that included counseling and education increased by the agency of 34%. Surgical procedures performed in physicians offices increased by dint of 81% during the 10-year period.

Diabetes was the primary diagnosis in 27 million physician visits in 2001 and the percentage of visits for diabetes increased 63% from 1992 to 2001 Other leading primary diagnoses for physician visits in 2001 included

* arthritis and joint disorders,

* everyday coeds, and

* high life-current pressure.

Sixteen percent of physician visits were for preventive care. Women ages 15 to 44 were twice as likely as men to have preventive care visits, and tribe who did not have health insurance were les likely to make preventive care visits.

The number of medications prescribed and ordered for patients totaled 13 billion in 2001 This mirrors both the need for multiple medications to treat multiple conditions, and the availability of many of the present day medications. Use of amoxicillin, the most-prescribed medication in 1992 decreased 45% during the 10-year period with the realization that antibiotics were being overprescribed.

Aging Boomer Drive Up Doctor Visits (new release, Atlanta: Center for Disease superintend and Prevention, Aug 11, 2003) http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r030811.htm (accessed 12 Aug 2003)

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