A call survey was completed of persons who called Tennessee Poison Center (TPC) in April 2015 and received treatment advice which enabled the caller to stay at home.
The callers answered several questions including, “Would you have gone to the Emergency Department (ED) if TPC had not been available?” 51% of the callers who agreed to answer the survey would have gone to the ED if the poison center were not available. These callers were asked if they had health insurance. 32% of the callers that would go to the ED receive state medical assistance. (Of those who would not go to the ED, 53% would call their physician, 12 % would call 911)
In 2014, TPC managed 33,943 exposure cases at home (statewide). According to our survey, 17,311 people (33,943 x 51%) would have visited the ED if a poison control center were not available. Approximately 5,540 (32%) of these cases either are enrolled in TennCare or do not have health insurance.
Hospitals throughout the state of Tennessee estimated ED charges for exposure cases that present to an ED but could have been managed at home by Tennessee Poison Center.
Based on the best estimate of ED charges, TPC saved the taxpayers of Tennessee $9,235,180 in ED fees for the underinsured.
And….
84% said they experienced excellent service
100% would call the Poison Center in the future
So, all this in addition to the Biochemical Surveillance and Education/Outreach.
Now, aren’t you glad Tennesseans have a Poison Center?
This question prepared by: Donna Seger, MD Medical Toxicologist
I am interested in any questions you would like answered in the Question of the Week. Please email me with any suggestion at donna.seger@vanderbilt.edu
Donna Seger, MD
Medical Director
Tennessee Poison Center
Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222