Hospital Utilization for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions in Oregon from 2013 to 2015
Introduction: Poor oral health remains a national concern impacting overall health and continues to burden an already overtaxed health care system. These issues are exacerbated by differing levels of coverage nationally, particularly in those states that lack any public oral health coverage. Those with significant and immediate need are forced to seek care from alternative settings and often are not equipped to provide dental treatment. Oregon operates a unique system called Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) designed to link providers from across disciplines and focus on prevention and chronic disease management.
Methods: Using claims data from the All-Payer, All-Claims (APAC) database, this paper evaluates claims from 2013 to 2015 for all patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) or as an inpatient for a non-traumatic dental condition (NTDC) in the state of Oregon.
Results: ED visits for NTDCs increased from 2013 to 2015 with 79% of ED visits for a dental condition paid for by Medicaid, and those aged 20-34 had the highest visit rate across all 3 years. Black and American Indian or Alaskan Native patients had the highest ED utilization. Residents of rural counties were more likely to utilize the ED than urban county residents. 76% of patients visited the ED 1 time with a charge of $13,888,516. Consistent with other findings, the increased visits are likely due to expanded Medicaid coverage. Increased usage by rural residents is also supported by other studies.
Conclusions: This paper continues to demonstrate the need for multi-level solutions that continue to decrease ED utilization across Oregon.
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Posted 13 Jan, 2020
Hospital Utilization for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions in Oregon from 2013 to 2015
Posted 13 Jan, 2020
Introduction: Poor oral health remains a national concern impacting overall health and continues to burden an already overtaxed health care system. These issues are exacerbated by differing levels of coverage nationally, particularly in those states that lack any public oral health coverage. Those with significant and immediate need are forced to seek care from alternative settings and often are not equipped to provide dental treatment. Oregon operates a unique system called Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) designed to link providers from across disciplines and focus on prevention and chronic disease management.
Methods: Using claims data from the All-Payer, All-Claims (APAC) database, this paper evaluates claims from 2013 to 2015 for all patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) or as an inpatient for a non-traumatic dental condition (NTDC) in the state of Oregon.
Results: ED visits for NTDCs increased from 2013 to 2015 with 79% of ED visits for a dental condition paid for by Medicaid, and those aged 20-34 had the highest visit rate across all 3 years. Black and American Indian or Alaskan Native patients had the highest ED utilization. Residents of rural counties were more likely to utilize the ED than urban county residents. 76% of patients visited the ED 1 time with a charge of $13,888,516. Consistent with other findings, the increased visits are likely due to expanded Medicaid coverage. Increased usage by rural residents is also supported by other studies.
Conclusions: This paper continues to demonstrate the need for multi-level solutions that continue to decrease ED utilization across Oregon.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6