Professional charges not reimbursed to dentists in the U.S.: evidence from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 1996

A Chattopadhyay; G D Slade; D J Caplan

doi:10.1922/CDH_2312Chattopadhyay07

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Professional charges not reimbursed to dentists in the U.S.: evidence from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 1996

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Professional charges not reimbursed to dentists in the U.S.: evidence from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 1996

A Chattopadhyay, G D Slade and D J Caplan

Community dental health, Vol.26(4), pp.227-233

12/2009

DOI: 10.1922/CDH_2312Chattopadhyay07

PMID: 20088221

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Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined professional charges not paid to dentists. This analysis used logistic regression in SUDAAN examining the 1996 MEPS data from 12,931 adults. Among people incurring dental care charges, 13.6% had more than $50 of unpaid charge (UC). The percapita UC was $53.30. Total UC was higher for highest income group [45.4% of total] compared to lowest income group [26.0%]. The percapita UC of $76.70 for low income group was significantly greater than for high income group ($47.80, P < 0.01). More Medicaid recipients (52% vs. non-recipients: 12%) incurred at least $50 in UC (P < 0.01). Adjusted odds of incurring UC were greater for those employed (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), and for those with private insurance (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.3-1.9). Number of dental procedure types modified the association between Medicaid recipient and UC (OR = 13.6 for Medicaid recipients undergoing multiple procedure types; OR: 2.3 for Medicaid non-recipients with multiple procedure types; OR: 1.9 for Medicaid recipients receiving single dental procedure. Having private insurance, being unemployed and being Medicaid insured undergoing multiple procedure were strongest predictors of UC.

Cross-Sectional Studies

United States

Health Expenditures - statistics & numerical data

Humans

Middle Aged

Insurance, Dental

Logistic Models

Patient Credit and Collection - statistics & numerical data

Uncompensated Care - statistics & numerical data

Unemployment

Young Adult

Fees, Dental - statistics & numerical data

Adult

Medicaid

Details

Title: Subtitle: Professional charges not reimbursed to dentists in the U.S.: evidence from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 1996
Creators: A Chattopadhyay - Office of Science Policy and Analysis, National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-2190, USA. amit.chattopadhyay@nih.gov
G D Slade
D J Caplan
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Community dental health, Vol.26(4), pp.227-233
Publisher: England
DOI: 10.1922/CDH_2312Chattopadhyay07
PMID: 20088221
ISSN: 0265-539X
Language: English
Date published: 12/2009
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry
Record Identifier: 9983917661102771

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