During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Center for Improving Value in Health Care presented findings on the health impacts of wildfires and ozone pollution in Colorado. Carrie Frank, Vice President of Communication and Marketing, and Claire Leather, Public Reporting Project Manager, shared insights from their study, which focused on emergency department (ED) visits related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions exacerbated by poor air quality.

The study analyzed data from 2018 and 2019, years marked by significant wildfire activity, while intentionally excluding 2020 to avoid confounding factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers utilized the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (APCD), which collects claims data from various public and private payers, covering approximately 74% of the state's insured population.

Key findings indicated a correlation between poor air quality and increased ED visits, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children (ages 0-17) and seniors (over 65). The data revealed that during periods of elevated wildfire smoke and ozone levels, ED visits for respiratory and cardiovascular issues surged, with the most affected counties including Denver, La Plata, and Weld.

The financial implications of these health impacts were significant, with total costs for ED visits related to these conditions exceeding $1 billion in both 2018 and 2019. The study highlighted the need for targeted health interventions and resource allocation to support affected communities, especially in rural areas where populations may be more vulnerable.

The presenters emphasized the potential for further research to expand the scope of the study, suggesting that additional analyses could include primary care visits, telehealth consultations, and the impact of prescription medication usage during poor air quality events. They called for collaboration with legislators and public health officials to address these pressing health concerns and improve the overall well-being of Coloradans.