Background: Drug users have an increased risk of oropharyngeal and dental diseases and constitute an important group to link to dental care. Methods: Of 78,949 drug users enrolled in New York State NYS Medicaid >10 months in 1996, we studied 47,260 enrolled >10 months in each of 1997 and 1998 and not hospitalized >365 days of 1996-8. From claims files, we identified dental visits in 1997-98. In 1996, we identified clinical (i.e. HIV status, substance abuse type, general medical) and health care factors including: regular medical care (>35% of visits to one provider); regular substance abuse care (6+ months with one provider); any psychiatric care; and 2+ filled antidepressant prescriptions. Separate logistic regression models for HIV+ and negative (HIV-) subjects were estimated for any dental visits in 1997-98 adjusting for demographics, clinical, and health care factors. Results: Of 37,375 HIV- and 9,885 HIV+ subjects, the same proportions (58%) had any dental visits in 1997 or 1998. In the HIV- group, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for any dental care were greater for: both regular medical and substance abuse care (1.27 [CI 1.18, 1.37]), only regular medical care (1.31 [CI 1.24, 1.38]), psychiatric care (1.17 [CI 1.10, 1.24]) and antidepressant use (1.22 [CI 1.15, 1.29]). In the HIV+ group, the most significant effects were found for both regular medical and substance abuse care (AOR 1.33 [CI 1.17, 1.51]) and psychiatric care (1.25 [CI 1.12, 1.39]). Conclusion: Medical, substance abuse, and psychiatric care are associated with subsequent dental visits for drug users.
Learning Objectives: 1. To evaluate the association of health care delivery for a drug using population with subsequent receipt of dental care. 2. To demonstrate an approach to use claims data to evaluate dental and other health care delivery for drug users.
Keywords: Access to Care, Drug Abuse
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.