Published on in Vol 5, No 1 (2013):

Use of Syndromic Data to Determine Oral Health Visit Burden on Emergency Departments

Use of Syndromic Data to Determine Oral Health Visit Burden on Emergency Departments

Use of Syndromic Data to Determine Oral Health Visit Burden on Emergency Departments

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In a syndromic dual use application, North Carolina emergency department (ED) visits for oral health-related problems were studied using BioSense patient records stratified by age group, patient residence county, and payment method. After a case definition process using both chief complaints and diagnosis codes, the study obtained population-based visit rates and revealed age- and county-specific problems consistent over three full years ending 30Jun2011 and worsening in selected counties. The state total ED burden for oral health problems was ~2% (0.2% - 9.7% by county).