The Importance of Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke in the Community Practice of Medicine.

The proportion of patients with heart disease, cancer and stroke in the community practice of medicine was determined by both interview and observation techniques on samples of physicians in general practice, internal medicine and other specialties in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The findings are analyzed as to the role of the physician in the care of these patients and the effects of type (solo vs. group) and place (urban vs. non-urban) of practice. The implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]