| 3925 An Economic Model for Risk-Based Treatment for Periodontal Disease | ||
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J. MARTIN, PreViser, Inc, State College, PA, USA Objectives: Risk is a component of treatment decisions. A tool , the PreViser Risk Calculator, has been developed and validated, which provides an objective standardized measurement of risk for periodontal disease. Variation has been shown amongst dentists and between dentists and a method that provides an objective assessment. Objective risk assessment is expected to guide dentists to select different treatments compared to the current decision method. The utility of using objective risk assessment requires that the cost of care is less than treatment currently provided. Methods: The cost of care can be calculated for treatment based on objective risk assessment and treatment currently provided. A model was developed based on twelve primary variables that affect treatment choices and cost for a given population. Nine variables are defined by a single value. These include the number of dentists, distribution of dentists by awareness of periodontal disease and propensity to refer to a periodontist, the number of patients per dentist subcategorized by the percentage that have an annual visit, are adult, new patients, diagnosed for periodontal disease, and accept treatment. Three variables are defined by matrices. These include the distribution of the population by risk and severity for periodontal disease, periodontal treatment as currently provided and based on objective risk assessment, and fees for these periodontal services. Since the values are unique for a population, a spreadsheet was designed that permits user-entry of the appropriate values for each of these variables. Results: The best available data indicates that treatment based on objective risk assessment costs significantly less than treatment currently provided. However, this analysis is based on general knowledge and many values have not been validated. Conclusion: The tool is expected to assist in the determination of the utility of risk assessment for a specific population. Supported by PreViser, Inc. | ||
| Seq #397 - Epidemiology and Service Utilization 12:30 PM-2:30 PM, Saturday, 13 March 2004 Hawaii Convention Center 323-A | ||
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