Impact of Psychosomatic Co-Morbidity on Health Care Utilization in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Schneider Antonius, Hörlein Elisabeth, Wartner Eva, Schumann Isabelle, Henningsen Peter, Linde Klaus
Primary Institution: Technische Universität München
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the impact of psychosomatic co-morbidity on practice visits, referrals, and periods of disability in German general practices.
Conclusion
Psychosomatic co-morbidity significantly affects health care utilization, leading to more practice visits and periods of disability, while somatic disorders are more associated with referrals.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with mental diagnoses had significantly more practice visits and periods of disability.
- High utilization of health care services was associated with the presence of mental disorders.
- Patients with somatic diagnoses had more referrals compared to those with mental diagnoses.
Takeaway
People with mental health issues visit the doctor more often and take more sick days than those without these issues.
Methodology
Cross-sectional observational study in 13 practices in Upper Bavaria, with data collected from patient questionnaires and chart reviews.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the documentation of diagnoses for reimbursement purposes.
Limitations
The reliability of permanent diagnoses may be questioned, and the study may not fully capture the current mental health status of patients.
Participant Demographics
58.6% female, 65.8% had an educational level lower than final secondary-school examinations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 7.5-53.9 for mental diagnoses impacting practice visits
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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