Domestic violence. Reality for some of your toughest patients.
Until recently, domestic violence was considered a criminal justice or social service problem. However, physicians see victims in emergency settings and clinics with complaints and symptoms that go beyond physical injuries. A study by a Minnesota health plan shows that, on average, a victim of domestic violence costs the health care system $1,434 more per year than a nonvictim. This article discusses the prevalence of domestic violence and the variety of presentations. Guidelines for screening, what to do with a positive response, when to call the police, and how to document and code are reviewed, as are issues unique to older victims of domestic violence.
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D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D010819:Physician's Role; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data