Patterns of Care and Costs among TMD Patients in an HMO. Abstract, Executive211 Summary and Final Report

摘要

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a cluster of conditions211u001eaffecting the temporomandibular joint and/or the muscles of mastication. Little 211u001ehas been reported on the use of health care services and costs among persons with 211u001eTMDs. Aim: This project compares the use and cost of medical and dental care 211u001eservices for TMD patients and comparison subjects. Methods: TMD cases were 211u001emembers of the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Division and had at least one TMD 211u001eclinic visit or TMD-related procedure between 1/1/90 and 12/31/95 (n=8,801). An 211u001eequal number of comparison subject were identified. Utilization and cost 211u001eestimates were determined and compared for selected medical and dental services.