[Epidemiology of struma in ambulant patients (author's transl)]

The number of regional claims was obtained from data on 2408 patients. By the number of regional claims we mean the number of claims for a defined performance in relation to the population living in a certain region; in the present investigation the first claims for in vivo diagnostic thyroid examinations within the administrative area. We found a great reduction of the regional claims in the country administrative areas surrounding Marburg, which was accompanied by a relative increase in advanced disease findings which included some who should have sought medical advice earlier. The disparities demonstrated also show that conclusions should only be drawn on taking into account the area of origin of the disease statistics from the patient data from the facilities of the Department of Health.