Using billing data to describe patterns in asthma-related emergency department visits in children.

摘要: OBJECTIVES. To describe the development and evaluation of a pilot emergency department (ED)-based asthma surveillance system for childhood visits based on billing data to illustrate how can be used document trends patterns in ED children. METHODS. During 2001 2002, aggregate reports from 3 hospitals western Michigan were obtained single physician company. Data tabulated graphed show monthly number Comparisons made by age, gender, site. We evaluated using established guidelines. RESULTS. The illustrated strong seasonal trends, as well marked differences use according age gender. total numbers remarkably similar between 2 years evaluated; however, timing duration peaks differed. Our found that it met many characteristics define successful systems, including simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, sensitivity positive predictive value, timeliness, stability. However, system9s representativeness was limited inability calculate valid population-based ED-visit rates. Despite this limitation, provided useful information documenting burden demographic profile children who care identifying time-related trends. CONCLUSIONS. able successfully implement ED-based data. This promotes understanding among visiting ED. an is recommended, particularly when there desire understand with and/or need impact local quality-improvement programs.