Health care cost effects of public use of a regional poison control center.

摘要: Poison control centers in the United States are threatened with closure, and attempts at a cost-benefit analysis of these services have been indeterminate. The purpose this study was to compare operating costs regional poison center resulting from public use its telephone hotline those hypothetical alternative sources advice care. We conducted follow-up survey among 589 callers San Francisco Bay Area Regional Control Center who had managed home without medical referral after an unintentional poisoning. All respondents were asked what action they would taken not available assist them by consultation. then surveyed emergency departments physicians' offices cited as alternatives determine their response charges for evaluating suspected poisoning case. A total 464 (79%) sought assistance local health care system available. conservatively estimated that such evaluations be +71,900. Comparatively, actual cost provided all cases +13,547. Most subjects (429 [73%]) private insurance coverage. Direct access probably reduces resources, thus lowering costs.