Correlates of gastroenterology health-services utilization among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a large database analysis.

Patient and physician's characteristics were related to high utilization of gastroenterology services among GERD patients. The associations with age and country of birth might reflect more severe disease. The regional differences warrant further research and interventions at the district level. Training in gastroenterology of primary care physicians without a board certification is warranted.