Trends in Hospital Average Lengths of Stay, Casemix, and Discharge Rates, 1980-85

摘要

The report examines the nearly 20 percent decline in average occupancy rates in community hospitals of the United States from 1980 through 1985. It shows that occupancy has fallen as a result of reductions in both average length of stay and the number of discharges per bed. However, aggregate data conceal two trends that have helped to stabilize occupancy rates. A larger portion of patients are now hospitalized with medical conditions that have historically required longer lengths of stay. In addition, Medicare beneficiaries--who typically remain in hospitals longer than other types of patients--now account for a signficantly greater portion of hospital admissions. Factors that are associated with declining use of hospital services are also discussed and include technological change, shifts from inpatient to outpatient treatment, activities of health maintenance organizations, and competitive pressures.