Primary care billing data can help track

In an expanded use of epidemiology a report from UNC today shows that billing data routinely collected by primary care providers can help public health authorities detect outbreaks of emerging infections.
The researchers compared the primary care practice data to similar data collected during the same period at UNC Hospitals' Emergency Department. The team found spikes of activity during the year, with increases occurred first in the primary care practice. This suggests that the practice may have seen patients with influenza earlier than the emergency department. The researchers conclude that it is feasible to implement surveillance in primary care practices at low cost and with minimal staff effort.