Family utilization of a medical center

This study shows that "high utilization families" do exist and demonstrates a method, based on the calculation of expected contact rates for individuals and families, for identifying them. The high utilization families are not composed of chance combinations of high utilization individuals. This trend becomes apparent in two member families and is statistically significant for families of three or more. High utilization families were shown to have greater numbers of social problems, economic problems, and health maintenance problems when compared to a control group.