National estimates of healthcare utilization by individuals with hepatitis C virus infection in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem in the United States. Although prior studies have evaluated the HCV-related healthcare burden, these studies examined a single treatment setting and did not account for the growing "baby boomer" population (individuals born during 1945-1965).

Methods

Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were analyzed. We sought to characterize healthcare utilization by individuals infected with HCV in the United States, examining adult (≥18 years) outpatient, emergency department (ED), and inpatient visits among individuals with HCV diagnosis for the period 2001-2010. Key subgroups included persons born befor

SUBMITTER: Galbraith JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4200046 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature