Referral for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis by Pediatric Primary Care Providers

Abstract

This study sought to examine primary care physician opinions regarding referral practices for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to determine if curve severity at the time of referral is correlated with insurance status. A survey was distributed to pediatric primary care providers to determine referral practices. A chart review of patients referred to a pediatric spine specialist for AIS was performed. A total of 59.3% of respondents stated their referral threshold for AIS patients was <20°. The mean curve size in privately insured patients was 27° (range 6°-68°), whereas the mean curve size in the publicly insured group was 27.6° (range = 6°-58°; P = .9). Large disparities among referral practices exist among pediatric primary care providers, although insurance status did not seem to affect curve size at the time of referral. Encouraging education initiatives for pediatric primary care providers may encourage appropriate referral for AIS.