Proportions of Avoidable GP Visits in France: Findings From a National Claims Database

Speaker(s)

Vimont A1, Leleu H2, Blachier M2
1Public Health Expertise, paris, France, 2Public Health Expertise, Paris, France

OBJECTIVES:

In many countries, COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a complex situation for patient to consult general practitioner (GP) with unsustainable waiting list. In the light of the increasing effort to optimize primary care management, the objective of this study was to evaluate the part of avoidable GP visits in France.

METHODS:

We used a representative sample (1/97th) of the French National Health Data Information System (SNDS), which gathered medical claims from around 700,000 insured individuals. GP visits for the period 2018-2019 were considered avoidable when not followed by one the following healthcare withing the 15 days: any treatment excepts for level 1 antalgics, any exams (biological or imaging), specialist visits (any medical specialty as inpatient or outpatient visit). When two subsequent visits within 15 days were observed, only the last visit was included. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by considering healthcare deliveries within 7 days and 21 days following index GP visit, and by considering admissions in the scope of healthcare.

RESULTS:

For the years 2018-2019, a total of 5,5 million GP visits were identified, corresponding to around 3 visits per person-year, with 18% of visits with no treatment (except for level 1 antalgics), exams and no specialist visits within the 15 following days that could be avoided. Proportion of avoidable visits increased with lowering age: 27% of visits were avoidable for patients below 10 years old (17% of the total avoidable GP visits) and 8% for patients aged between 50 and 60 (10% of the total avoidable GP visits). Proportions were stable with lowered (7 days) or extended (21 days) time windows.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sustainable effort to optimize primary care management is needed, especially in younger patients. Levers such as teleconsultation or online platforms supported by validated algorithms may help to avoid unnecessary GP visits and waiting lists.

Code

EPH167

Topic

Epidemiology & Public Health, Real World Data & Information Systems

Topic Subcategory

Health & Insurance Records Systems, Public Health

Disease

No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas