The Association Between Low Back Pain Treatments and Health Outcomes: A Regional Analysis of the Military Health System
Abstract
Little is known about the variability in patterns of care for LBP across the MHS. In this study, we use the Military Health System Data Repository (MDR), a centralized repository of data that includes direct care encounter data as well as purchased care claims, to characterize variations in care for LBP. Using these claims, we evaluate variations in utilization and outcomes among adult TRICARE beneficiaries with low back pain. In this claims-based analysis of TRICARE Prime beneficiaries aged 19-64, we found substantial variation in the treatment of LBP across catchment areas. Physical therapy was, on average, the most commonly used treatment among those we were able to assess with catchment area rates ranging from 17 39 . Opioid prescription was the next most commonly used treatment on average with catchment area rates ranging from 15 28 and was associated with significantly worse outcomes. Behavioral therapies were rarely used and were also associated with lower rates of LBP resolution when the definition of LBP resolution included ongoing treatments in addition to only LBP diagnoses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1204707
Entities
People
- Astrid I. Berge
- W. P. Luan
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses