Practice patterns in sildenafil prescribing

Background: This study explores the incorporation of sildenafil into treatment of the common conditions of psychosexual and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: The 2002 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed for visits in which sildenafil was prescribed. Patient, visit, and provider characteristics for visits in which sildenafil was prescribed were compared between visits that documented a presenting complaint or diagnosis consistent with ED and those without documentation consistent with ED. Results: Of visits by men 30 years or older receiving sildenafil, 50% had no documented presenting complaint or diagnosis consistent with ED. No significant differences were found between those prescribed sildenafil with or without a reason for visit or diagnosis of ED based on age, race, or payment type. Individuals with more visits in the last 12 months were significantly less likely to have a recorded diagnosis consistent with ED. Urologists documented ED significantly more often than family medicine, internal medicine, and other physicians. Conclusions: Sildenafil is being prescribed at a significant number of visits without documentation of a reason for visit or diagnosis consistent with psychosexual or erectile dysfunction.