Proximity of pediatric genetic services to children with birth defects in Texas.
BACKGROUND
Families of children with major structural malformations often benefit greatly from genetic services. However, these services may not be readily available in all areas. The purpose of this study was to use data from a statewide birth defects registry and geographic information system methodology to compare the spatial distribution and to summarize the distance of pediatric clinical genetic service providers in relation to residential addresses of children with selected birth defects in Texas.


METHODS
Live-born children delivered between 1999-2004 in the Texas Birth Defects Registry with major structural defects and chromosomal anomalies were selected by a clinical geneticist according to diagnosis code. Mother's address at delivery of the case infants was geocoded as was the location of offices where clinical geneticists in Texas see pediatric patients. Using geographic information system tools, the authors then computed distance from each case mother's residence to the location of the nearest office where pediatric patients can be seen by clinical geneticists, summarized these distances, and graphically plotted the location of each case in relation to the nearest provider.


RESULTS
Nearly 25,000 Registry cases met the criteria for selection for geocoding. Of those, 22,875 (91.8%) were successfully geocoded to street level.


CONCLUSIONS
Although 82% of addresses were within 30 miles of the nearest pediatric genetic clinic, 14% lived 31-100 miles from the nearest facility, and 4% of case families would need to drive more than 100 miles, including some who live in midsized cities, indicating geographic disparities in access to these necessary services.
Case
Amy P
AP
Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas 78714-9347, USA. amy.case@dshs.state.tx.us
Canfield
Mark A
MA
Barnett
Ann
A
Raimondo
Patricia
P
Drummond-Borg
Margaret
M
Livingston
Judith
J
Kowalik
Jenifer
J
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D033142:Genetic Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D013781:Texas