The burden of injury in preschool children in an urban medicaid managed care organization

Background.-Efforts to control injuries within managed care organization (MCO) populations require information about the incidence and costs associated with the injuries cared for in MCOs. Objective.-This study uses administrative data to measure the rates and the costs of burn, choking, poisoning, blunt, and penetrating injuries in an urban Medicaid MCO. Design/Methods.-A database was assembled from all medical claims submitted to a Medicaid MCO covering children aged ≤6 years in urban Baltimore between the dates of July 1, 1997, and August 7, 1999. The database included claims submitted on behalf of 1732 children observed for 2180 person-years. International Classification of Disease-9 codes were reviewed to identify claims for burn, poisoning, choking, and blunt/penetrating injuries. Trained coders reviewed outpatient records to assign E-codes. Results.-A total of 796 injuries occurred. The overall injury rate was 36.5% per year. The total cost of the medical care for these injuries was $863 552, or $396 per covered person-year, representing 42%-55% of the capitated rate received in Baltimore. Falls, being struck by something, and cutting/piercing injuries accounted for 68% of injuries. Emergency departments were the most common service sites for injured children for all injuries except in the case of burns. Conclusion.-The children enrolled in this urban Medicaid population had nearly twice the rate of injury when compared to the national average. The medical costs of injuries account for about half of the capitated reimbursement for this age group.