Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the situation of diagnosis and treatment and referral of tuberculosis patients in non-tuberculosis control institutions in Anhui Province, and to provide scientific evidence for the development of future referral policies. MethodsAccording to the geographic structure, Xiao county，Dingyuan county，Feixi county and Guichi district were chosen as the study site for those place can basically reflect the situation in Anhui Province. A questionnaire survey of the situation of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis patients reported on internet before referral in place was conducted to the tuberculosis patients who were reported on internet and treated in special TB clinic during April 1 to September 30, 2008. Results83.4% of tuberculosis patients preferred a general hospital and/or township health centers when they had symptoms. 90.8% was referred. The patients treated in other medical facilities had spent 1422 Yuan per capita. Only 14.9% of patients had accepted the sputum smears test. 69.7% had patient delay. The annual income was about 5056 Yuan and 2479 Yuan per capita before and after they got sick. ConclusionsThe situation of referral of TB patients in non-tuberculosis prevention and control institutions is good. However, patients spent so much during the treatment and a larger decline in income happens after the sick, which may affect the further treatment compliance.

Key words: tuberculosis, pulmonary/diagnosis, tuberculosis, pulmonary/economics, referral and consultation, computer communication networks, Anhui province