Survey of colposcopy practices by obstetrician/gynecologists

A statewide survey to characterize the colposcopy patterns of practicing obstetrician/gynecologists was undertaken. There was a 66.1% response rate, with 98.2% of respondents performing colposcopy. Of those performing colposcopy, nearly all perform biopsies, cryosurgery and conizations; 73.4% perform laser vaporization, 66.7% perform laser cone biopsy and 11% perform laser cone biopsies in their offices. The mean number of colposcopies performed by respondents in a six-month period was 55. Twenty percent performed less than one examination per week and an additional 60% performed two to three examinations per week. Further studies to assess the diagnostic accuracy of those performing greater and lesser numbers of examinations are needed.