Accession Number:

ADA516582

Title:

A Comparison of Services Utilized by Acupuncture and Non-Acupuncture Patients in the Military Health System

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Corporate Author:

NATIONAL NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER BETHESDA MD

Personal Author(s):

• Henriquez, Natalia C.

Report Date:

2009-06-26

Pagination or Media Count:

36.0

Abstract:

This study examines differences in the average number of encounters and amount of RVUs between patients that utilize acupuncture as part of their treatment regime and those who do not. This study replicates a study by Jaditz, Edwards, and Morrow 2007, with differences in methodology. Subjects are from Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool M2 and consist of all beneficiary categories with a diagnosis of Lumbago, Myalgia, andor Cervicalgia, treated at Naval Medical Center San Diego, California Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland and Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington, in fiscal year 2008. A two-factor ANOVA revealed significant differences between acupuncture patients and two non-acupuncture groups, as well as differences between diagnoses. Post hoc analysis indicated that acupuncture patients had statistically higher average number of encounters and amount of RVUs than both groups of non-acupuncture patients p 0.05.

Descriptors:

• *MEDICAL SERVICES
• *ACUPUNCTURE
• PAIN
• MILITARY MEDICINE
• PATIENTS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE