Professional charges not reimbursed to dentists in the U.S.: evidence from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 1996.
OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional study examined professional charges not paid to dentists.


METHODS
This analysis used logistic regression in SUDAAN examining the 1996 MEPS data from 12,931 adults.


RESULTS
Among people incurring dental care charges, 13.6% had more than $50 of unpaid charge (UC). The percapita UC was $53.30. Total UC was higher for highest income group [45.4% of total] compared to lowest income group [26.0%]. The percapita UC of $76.70 for low income group was significantly greater than for high income group ($47.80, P < 0.01). More Medicaid recipients (52% vs. non-recipients: 12%) incurred at least $50 in UC (P < 0.01). Adjusted odds of incurring UC were greater for those employed (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), and for those with private insurance (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.3-1.9). Number of dental procedure types modified the association between Medicaid recipient and UC (OR = 13.6 for Medicaid recipients undergoing multiple procedure types; OR: 2.3 for Medicaid non-recipients with multiple procedure types; OR: 1.9 for Medicaid recipients receiving single dental procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Having private insurance, being unemployed and being Medicaid insured undergoing multiple procedure were strongest predictors of UC.
Chattopadhyay
A
A
Office of Science Policy and Analysis, National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-2190, USA. amit.chattopadhyay@nih.gov
Slade
G D
GD
Caplan
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005250:Fees, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D016015:Logistic Models; D008484:Medicaid; D008875:Middle Aged; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017664:Uncompensated Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014478:Unemployment; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult