Using health insurance administrative data to explore patching testing utilization in Ontario, Canada – An untapped resource

Background

Patch testing is the key diagnostic test for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, but there is limited information about the use of patch testing at the population level.

Objectives

To utilize Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) data to analyse trends in the rate of patch testing in Ontario.

Methods

Patch test billing data submitted to the OHIP between 1992 and 2014 was analysed. Two patch test billing codes were investigated, one for work‐related testing (G198) and one for non‐work‐related testing (G206). Rates of patch testing overall were calculated and trends over time were described.

Results

There were 51576 patch test billings, 48416 non‐work‐related and 3160 work‐related. The annual rate of non‐work‐related PT (G206) ranged from 11.9 per 100000 people to 25.9 per 100000 people, increasing over time. The rate for work‐related PT (G198) ranged from 0.17 to 2.32 per 1000000 people and was relatively stable. The overall distribution of billing by specialty was 70% dermatology, 19% other medical subspecialties, 10% paediatrics and family medicine.

Conclusions

Administrative health data can contribute to a more complete understanding of patch test utilization at the population level and, over time, can be used to track patch testing practices.

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