The effect of an office tympanogram on referrals from a primary care setting.
The effect of an office tympanometer on the rate of referral of children with otitis media in a family practice residency was assessed by chart review. After implementation of the tympanometer, the rate of referral to otolaryngologists was 13.9% compared to a rate of 5.1% prior to its availability. This increase in referrals appears to have resulted from improved diagnosis of persistent middle ear effusions.
Bredfeldt
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RC
Decatur Family Practice Residency Program, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine 62526.
Ripani
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A
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D005194:Family Practice; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000628:therapy*; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000628:therapy*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000628:therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation