The effect of North Carolina free clinics on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among the uninsured.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Free clinics are volunteer based organizations that provide health care services to low-income individuals for free or minimal cost. Communities served by a free clinic can provide ambulatory care services for uninsured individuals, reducing reliance on costly hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. This study examines whether free clinics in North Carolina reduce hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions for uninsured adults. METHODS:The study used North Carolina hospital discharge data from 2003 to 2007, restricted to uninsured adults residing in North Carolina (N = 270,325). Prevention Quality Indicators identified hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. The entry of new free clinics in some counties during this time pe

SUBMITTER: Hutchison J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5897934 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature