Why is Healthcare Utilization Data Important in Epidemiology?

Healthcare utilization data is essential in epidemiology for several reasons:

1. Assessing Disease Burden: It helps in assessing the burden of diseases by analyzing the frequency of healthcare service utilization for specific conditions.
2. Resource Allocation: It aids in the allocation of healthcare resources by identifying areas with high demand for services.
3. Evaluating Interventions: It is used to evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions and policies by examining changes in healthcare utilization patterns.
4. Identifying Disparities: It helps in identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among different population groups.