Care for Mild Head Trauma and Concussion Is Moving to the Pediatrician's Office

Caring for minor head injury in primary care settings reduces health care costs.

Recognition of concussions in children has been consuming increasing health resources and costs, particularly in emergency departments (EDs). To assess trends in care of minor head trauma, researchers analyzed paid medical claims from four insurance companies for patients aged 6 to 21 years in a hospital-affiliated pediatric practice association from 2007 to 2013.

Among the changes during the study period:

The proportion of the covered population diagnosed with concussion or minor head injury increased from 1.3% to 3.3%.
The proportion of head injuries diagnosed as concussion increased from 42% to 72%.
Outpatient visits for head injuries increased more than fourfold.
Visits to primary care offices for head injuries increased 485%, whereas those …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Care for Mild Head Trauma and Concussion Is Moving to the Pediatrician's Office

Topics

Reviewing Author