High rate of inappropriate referrals to pediatric orthopedics in an egalitarian healthcare system. Issue 5 (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balazs, George C.; Doria, Ronald B.; Yow, Bobby G.; Anderson, Ashley B.; Ahmed, Syed I.; Jex, Jefferson W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Volume 28:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: pediatric orthopedics -- referral -- workforce utilization; Pediatric orthopedics -- Periodicals; 618.927005
• DOI: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1060-152X

Abstract

Abstract : Previous studies have shown relatively high rates of inappropriate referrals to pediatric orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of inappropriate referrals in an egalitarian healthcare system. We reviewed all 400 referrals to our pediatric orthopedic surgery practice over a 2-year period and assessed the appropriateness of each based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. A total 206 (52%) referrals were deemed appropriate. There is a high rate of inappropriate referral to pediatric orthopedic surgery even within a closed, egalitarian healthcare system. Targeted education of primary care providers may help reduce this rate.