TOPLINE:
In the year after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, about 5% of patients receive a diagnosis of post–COVID-19 condition (PCC), according to data from the Veterans Affairs health system. But the rate varies substantially by region, ranging from less than 4% in one area to more than 24% in another.
METHODOLOGY:
- Researchers analyzed data from 388,980 patients who had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 between October 1, 2021, when the ICD-10 code for PCC was introduced, and January 31, 2023.
- Patients had an average age of 61 years; 87.3% were men.
TAKEAWAY:
- In the Sunshine Healthcare Network in Florida, the 12-month incidence of U09.9 documentation was 3.39%, whereas in the VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network it was 24.9%.
- The diagnostic code for PCC was documented more often in regions with dedicated PCC clinics, the researchers found.
- Common symptoms in patients with PCC included shortness of breath (37.1%), fatigue or exhaustion (22.3%), cough (18%), reduced cognitive function or brain fog (6.3%), and change in smell or taste (5.7%).
IN PRACTICE:
"Accurate and consistent documentation of U09.9 is needed to maximize its utility in tracking," the researchers write.
SOURCE:
Pandora L. Wander, MD, MS, with Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, is the study's corresponding author. The study was published online on December 8 in JAMA Network Open.
LIMITATIONS:
The findings may not be generalizable outside of the VA health system.
DISCLOSURES:
The study was supported by grants from the VA Health Services Research and Development Service.