1.
J Pediatr Orthop B
; 28(5): 509-513, 2019 Sep.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30222624
ABSTRACT
Previous studies have shown relatively high rates of inappropriate referrals to pediatric orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of inappropriate referrals in an egalitarian healthcare system. We reviewed all 400 referrals to our pediatric orthopedic surgery practice over a 2-year period and assessed the appropriateness of each based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. A total 206 (52%) referrals were deemed appropriate. There is a high rate of inappropriate referral to pediatric orthopedic surgery even within a closed, egalitarian healthcare system. Targeted education of primary care providers may help reduce this rate.