Utilization of Hospital Inpatient Services by Elderly Americans

摘要

The study examined the care received by a national sample of elderly patients using a disease staging method that categorizes patients by specific illnesses and by 4 severity levels. Results for 5 important disease categories show that very old patients (80 years and older) tend to be sicker when admitted to the hospital, receive more procedures, and stay longer than those aged 65-79. Utilization differences between the two age groups are especially pronounced for coronary atherosclerosis, the most common reason for hospitalization for people over 40. The largest proportion of hospital admissions (39%) of patients 65-79 is for the first stage of the condition (minimum severity, no complications). Eleven percent die in the hospital, compared to 18% of the very old. Discharge patterns and care received by hospital type also vary with age. Study results provide an important baseline for measuring the impact of prospective payment on hospital care for the elderly.