Sex, Access, and Excess

Editorials1 October 1995Sex, Access, and ExcessPeter Franks, MD, Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, and Elizabeth H. Naumburg, MDPeter Franks, MDUniversity of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620; Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Rockville, MD 20852-4908; University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620|Search for more papers by this author, Carolyn M. Clancy, MDUniversity of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620; Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Rockville, MD 20852-4908; University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620|Search for more papers by this author, and Elizabeth H. Naumburg, MDUniversity of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620; Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Rockville, MD 20852-4908; University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620|Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-123-7-199510010-00012 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Studies documenting sex differences in the use of invasive technological services are frequently cited as evidence that women receive lower-quality care than men. However, closer examination of sex differences in health care use shows an apparent inconsistency: Although women receive fewer invasive technological services than men, they use more primary care services and live longer. In addition, most literature on sex differences has focused on differences in the use of technological services; scant attention has been given to the patient's perspective of quality of care. We believe that the debate on sex bias has obscured the importance of differences between ...References1. Adams PF, Benson V. Current estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 1991. Vital Health Stat [10]. 1992:1-232. Google Scholar2. Verbrugge LM, Steiner RP. Physician treatment of men and women patients: sex bias or appropriate care? Med Care. 1981; 19:609-32. Google Scholar3. Weissman JS, Gatsonis C, Epstein AM. Rates of avoidable hospitalization by insurance status in Massachusetts and Maryland. JAMA. 1992; 268:2388-94. Google Scholar4. Ballard DJ, Strogatz DS, Wagner EH, Siscovick DS, James SA, Kleinbaum DG, et al. Hypertension control in a rural southern community: medical care process and dropping out. Am J Prev Med. 1988; 4:133-9. Google Scholar5. Starfield B. 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Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620; Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Rockville, MD 20852-4908; University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14620|Disclaimer: The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.Corresponding Author: Peter Franks, MD, Primary Care Institute, Highland Hospital, 885 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.Current Author Addresses: Drs. Franks and Naumberg: Primary Care Institute, Highland Hospital, 885 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. 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