TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - Identification of hidden health utilization services and costs in adults awaiting tertiary care following mild traumatic brain injury in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
JO  - Concussion
A1  - Hunt, Cindy
A1  - Zanetti, Katrina
A1  - Kirkham, Brian
A1  - Michalak, Alicja
A1  - Masanic, Cheryl
A1  - Vaidyanath, Chantal
A1  - Bhalerao, Shree
A1  - Cusimano, Michael D.
A1  - Baker, Andrew
A1  - Ouchterlony, Donna
SP  - CNC21
EP  - CNC21
VL  - 1
IS  - 4
N2  - AIM: The cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical impairments experienced by adults after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can produce substantial disability, with 15-20% requiring referral to tertiary care (TC) for persistent symptoms. <br><br>METHODS: A convenience sample of 201 adult patients referred to TC as a result of mTBI was studied. Self-reported data were collected at first TC visit, on average 10 months postinjury. Patients reported the type and intensity of healthcare provider visit(s) undertaken while awaiting TC. <br><br>RESULTS: On average males reported 37 and females 30 healthcare provider visits, resulting in over $500,000 Canadian dollars spent on potentially excess mTBI care over 1 year. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Based on conservative estimate of 15% of mTBI patients receiving TC, this finding identifies a possible excess in care of $110 million for Ontario. Accurate diagnosis of mTBI and early coordination of follow-up care for those needing TC could increase cost-effectiveness.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2056-3299
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/cnc-2016-0009
ID  - ref1
ER  -