Abstract
We aimed to quantify continuity of care (COC) and investigate its association with health care utilizations and expenditure among patients with diabetes. This was an observational retrospective cohort study using administrative claims database of Iranian Health Insurance Organization for East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Standard indices of COC were calculated for each patient, and their associations with utilization outcomes were determined by applying general linear regression models. A total of 32 263 patients were included (mean age: 60.9 +/- 14.5 years; 64% females). Higher levels of COC were associated with a reduced number and spending of all health care service categories.