A regional analysis of healthcare utilization trends during consecutive disasters in puerto rico using private claims data.

ABSTRACT: Puerto Rico has endured multiple natural disasters in recent years, including Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017), earthquakes (2019), and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), which placed significant strain on its healthcare system. This study examined trends in health care utilization for injuries, infectious diseases, and mental health services across Puerto Rico's health regions from 2016 to 2022. Using private claims data from four major insurers, we analyzed trends in health care utilization rates per 1,000 beneficiaries across seven health regions. Infectious disease claims rose significantly following each disaster, with the sharpest increases observed post-2020, particularly in the Caguas region. Mental health and substance use claims exhibited a consistent upward trend across all health re

SUBMITTER: Stimpson JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11821862 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature