scholarly journals Emergency Department and Inpatient Utilization among U.S. Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Post-Reform Update

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
SangNam Ahn ◽  
Mustafa Hussein ◽  
Asos Mahmood ◽  
Matthew Lee Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to enhance access to care primarily among nonelderly and low-income populations; however, several provisions addressed key determinants of emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits among Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 years. We take stock of the overall changes in these visits among older Medicare beneficiaries, focusing on those with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), and provide a nationally representative post-reform update. Methods We analyzed a sample of 32,919 older adults (65+) on Medicare from the 2006-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Using survey-weighted logistic regression, we examined changes in ED visits, inpatient visits, and length of stay (LOS) by MCC status, before (2006-2010), during (2011-2013), and after the ACA (2014-2015). Results Prior to the ACA, 18.1% of Medicare older adults had ≥1 ED visit, whereas 17.1% had ≥1 inpatient visits, with an average of 5.1 nights/visit. Following ACA reforms, among those with 2+ chronic conditions, the rate of ever having an ED visit increased by 4.3 percentage points [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.5, 6.1, p < 0.01], whereas the rate of inpatient visits decreased by 1.4 percentage points [95%CI: -2.9, 0.2, p < 0.1], after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions We found sizable increases in ED visits and nontrivial decreases in inpatient visits among older Medicare beneficiaries with MCCs, underscoring the continuing need for improving access to and quality of care among older adults with MCCs to decrease reliance on the ED and reduce preventable hospitalizations.

scholarly journals Emergency Department and Inpatient Utilization among U.S. Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Post-Reform Update

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
SangNam Ahn ◽  
Mustafa Hussein ◽  
Asos Mahmood ◽  
Matthew Lee Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Background. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to enhance access to care primarily among nonelderly and low-income populations; however, several provisions addressed key determinants of emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits among Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 years. We take stock of the overall changes in these visits among older Medicare beneficiaries, focusing on those with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), and provide a nationally representative post-reform update. Methods. We analyzed a sample of 32,919 older adults (65+) on Medicare from the 2006-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Using a survey-weighted two-part model, we examined changes in ED visits, inpatient visits, and length of stay (LOS) by MCC status, before (2006-2010), during (2011-2013), and after the ACA (2014-2015). Results. Prior to the ACA, 18.1% of Medicare older adults had ≥1 ED visit, whereas 17.1% had ≥1 inpatient visits, with an average of 5.1 nights/visit. Following ACA reforms, among those with 2+ chronic conditions, the rate of ever having an ED visit increased by 4.3 percentage points [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.5, 6.1, p < 0.01], whereas the rate of inpatient visits decreased by 1.4 percentage points [95%CI: -2.9, 0.2, p < 0.1], after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions. We found sizable increases in ED visits and nontrivial decreases in inpatient visits among older Medicare beneficiaries with MCCs, underscoring the continuing need for improving access to and quality of care among older adults with MCCs to decrease reliance on the ED and reduce preventable hospitalizations.

scholarly journals Emergency Department and Inpatient Utilization among U.S. Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Post-Reform Update

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
SangNam Ahn ◽  
Mustafa Hussein ◽  
Asos Mahmood ◽  
Matthew Lee Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Background. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to enhance access to care primarily among nonelderly and low-income populations; however, several provisions addressed key determinants of emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits among Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 years. We take stock of the overall changes in these visits among older Medicare beneficiaries, focusing on those with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), and provide a nationally representative post-reform update. Methods. We analyzed a sample of 32,919 older adults (65+) on Medicare from the 2006-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Using a survey-weighted two-part model, we examined changes in ED visits, inpatient visits, and length of stay (LOS) by MCC status, before (2006-2010), during (2011-2013), and after the ACA (2014-2015). Results. Prior to the ACA, 18.1% of Medicare older adults had ≥1 ED visit, whereas 17.1% had ≥1 inpatient visits, with an average of 5.1 nights/visit. Following ACA reforms, among those with 2+ chronic conditions, the rate of ever having an ED visit increased by 4.3 percentage points [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.5, 6.1, p < 0.01], whereas the rate of inpatient visits decreased by 1.4 percentage points [95%CI: -2.9, 0.2, p < 0.1], after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions. We found sizable increases in ED visits and nontrivial decreases in inpatient visits among older Medicare beneficiaries with MCCs, underscoring the continuing need for improving access to and quality of care among older adults with MCCs to decrease reliance on the ED and reduce preventable hospitalizations.

scholarly journals Emergency Department Utilization among Underserved African American Older Adults in South Los Angeles

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Bazargan ◽  
James Smith ◽  
Sharon Cobb ◽  
Lisa Barkley ◽  
Cheryl Wisseh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
African American ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
South Los Angeles ◽  
Ed Visits

Objectives: Using the Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, we explored social, behavioral, and health factors that are associated with emergency department (ED) utilization among underserved African American (AA) older adults in one of the most economically disadvantaged urban areas in South Los Angeles, California. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of 609 non-institutionalized AA older adults (age ≥ 65 years) from South Los Angeles, California. Participants were interviewed for demographic factors, self-rated health, chronic medication conditions (CMCs), pain, depressive symptoms, access to care, and continuity of care. Outcomes included 1 or 2+ ED visits in the last 12 months. Polynomial regression was used for data analysis. Results: Almost 41% of participants were treated at an ED during the last 12 months. In all, 27% of participants attended an ED once and 14% two or more times. Half of those with 6+ chronic conditions reported being treated at an ED once; one quarter at least twice. Factors that predicted no ED visit were male gender (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29–0.85), higher continuity of medical care (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.04–2.31), individuals with two CMCs or less (OR = 2.61 (1.03–6.59), second tertile of pain severity (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.36–5.73). Factors that predicted only one ED visit were male gender (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25–0.82), higher continuity of medical care (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.01–2.15) and second tertile of pain severity (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.13–5.19). Conclusions: This study documented that a lack of continuity of care for individuals with multiple chronic conditions leads to a higher rate of ED presentations. The results are significant given that ED visits may contribute to health disparities among AA older adults. Future research should examine whether case management decreases ED utilization among underserved AA older adults with multiple chronic conditions and/or severe pain. To explore the generalizability of these findings, the study should be repeated in other settings.

Associations of multiple (≥5) chronic conditions among a nationally representative sample of older United States adults with self-reported pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Axon ◽  
Daniel Arku
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Work Limitations ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Objectives The association between an individuals’ demographic and health characteristics and the presence of multiple chronic conditions is not well known among older United States (US) adults. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associations of having multiple chronic conditions among older US adults with self-reported pain. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study used data from the 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Study subjects were aged ≥50 years and had self-reported pain in the past four weeks. The outcome variable was multiple (≥5) chronic conditions (vs. <5 chronic conditions). Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to identify significant associations between demographic and health characteristics and multiple chronic conditions with significance indicated at an a priori alpha level of 0.05. The complex survey design was accounted for when obtaining nationally-representative estimates. Results The weighted population was 57,074,842 US older adults with pain, of which, 66.1% had ≥5 chronic conditions. In fully-adjusted analyses, significant associations of ≥5 comorbid chronic conditions included: age 50–64 vs. ≥65 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.478, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.391, 0.584); male vs. female gender (AOR=1.271, 95% CI=1.063, 1.519); white vs. other race (AOR=1.220, 95% CI=1.016, 1.465); Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic ethnicity (AOR=0.614, 95% CI=0.475, 0.793); employed vs. unemployed (AOR=0.591, 95% CI=0.476, 0.733); functional limitations vs. no functional limitations (AOR=1.862, 95% CI=1.510, 2.298); work limitations vs. no work limitations (AOR=1.588, 95% CI=1.275, 1.976); little/moderate vs. quite a bit/extreme pain (AOR=0.732, 95% CI=0.599, 0.893); and excellent/very good (AOR=0.375, 95% CI=0.294, 0.480) or good (AOR=0.661, 95% CI=0.540, 0.810) vs. fair/poor physical health. Conclusions Approximately 38 million of the 57 million US older adults with pain in this study had ≥5 chronic conditions in 2017. Several characteristics were associated with multiple chronic conditions, which may be important for health care professionals to consider when working with patients to manage their pain. This study was approved by The University of Arizona Institutional Review Board (2006721124, June 12, 2020).

Emergency department use and expenditures among cancer survivors in the United States, 2008-2011.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3-3
Author(s):  
Rebecca Salisbury Lash ◽  
Janice Bell ◽  
Robin L. Whitney ◽  
Sarah Reed ◽  
Andra Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ed Visits

3 Background: The number of cancer survivors in the US surpassed 13 million in 2012. In response to rising costs or care and greater demand for services, recent national reports and policies promote cancer care coordination to reduce costly and potentially avoidable services such as Emergency Department (ED) visits. Such efforts must be informed by reliable estimates and improved understanding of ED use and costs among oncology patients. This study quantifies the extent to which cancer survivors use the ED compared to individuals with other chronic conditions and estimates related annual expenses. Methods: Data from the 2008-2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and survey-weighted regression models were used to determine the odds of any ED use (logistic), counts of ED visits (negative binomial) and mean annual medical expenditures attributed to ED use (generalized linear models) in three groups of respondents: cancer survivors, those with chronic conditions other than cancer, and those with neither (reference group). All models were adjusted for important confounding variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, health insurance and health status). Estimates are generalizable to US non-institutionalized populations. Results: Among individuals with cancer, other chronic conditions, and neither condition, 17%, 15% and 9% visited the ED, respectively. Mean annual expenditures attributed to ED use among those with visits were $1471 (95% CI: $1262-$1678), $1517 (95% CI:$1395-$1640) and $1106 (95% CI: $984-$1228). Cancer survivors and individuals with other chronic conditions consistently had significantly higher ED use and costs than did the reference group. The likelihood of having any ED visit was similar between cancer survivors and those with other conditions, however cancer survivors incurred more visits (IRR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.36). Conclusions: ED use and expenditures are substantial among cancer survivors and equal or exceed the same outcomes in individuals with other chronic conditions. Future research is recommended to explore specific areas of unmet health need that may be driving increased frequency of ED visits in the growing population of cancer survivors.

scholarly journals PATTERNS OF PSYCHOACTIVE MEDICATION USE IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S710-S710
Author(s):  
Rashmita Bajracharya ◽  
Danya Qato
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychoactive Medication ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Psychoactive Medications

Abstract Per the 2015 Beer’s Criteria, most psychoactive medications are identified as potentially inappropriate for use in older adults as this population is especially vulnerable to the potential adverse effects associated with psychoactive medications, including sedation, anticholinergic effects, and falls. Past studies found increasing use of psychoactive medications in community-dwelling older adults; however, patterns of use by other sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical subgroups have not been explored. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey in a sample of 6122 older adults (60-85 years). We utilized Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization to guide logistic regression model development and estimated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantify the association between psychoactive use and predisposing(sex and race); enabling(marital status, education, poverty, insurance); and need-based[multi-morbidity and activities of daily living (ADL) limitations] factors. Over 30% of older adults in the U.S. reported taking a psychoactive medication in 2015. Prevalence of use was significantly higher in women (35.9%), the unmarried(34.1%), low-income(35.7%), white(34.0%), multimorbid (32.0%), and ADL limitation groups (45.9%) compared to men, married, high-income, other races, not multimorbid, and no ADL limitations groups, respectively. Female sex [OR=1.62(1.38-1.91)], low-income [OR=1.30(1.04-1.6)], multimorbidity [OR=3.2(2.6-3.9)], and ADL limitations [OR=2.2(1.7-2.8)] were identified as independent predictors of psychoactive use. There is differential use of psychoactive medications by sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Given the increased complexity of pharmacotherapy regimens, especially in those with multimorbidity and ADL limitations, improved efforts aimed at prudent use of psychoactive medications should be intensified.

scholarly journals Multiple chronic conditions and associated health care expenses in US adults with cancer: A 2010-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Lynn Davis-Ajami ◽  
Zhiqiang K Lu ◽  
Jun Wu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Panel Survey ◽  
Holistic Treatment ◽  
Cancer Multiple

Abstract Cancer increases the risk of developing one or more chronic conditions, yet little research describes the associations between health care costs, utilization patterns, and chronic conditions in adults with cancer. The objective of this study was to examine the treated prevalence of chronic conditions and the association between chronic conditions and health care expenses in US adults with cancer. Methods: This retrospective observational study used US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component (2010-2015) data sampling adults diagnosed with cancer and one or more of 18 select chronic conditions. The measures used were treated prevalence of chronic conditions, and total and chronic condition-specific health expenses (per-person, per-year). Generalized linear models assessed chronic condition-specific expenses in adults with cancer vs. without cancer and the association of chronic conditions on total health expenses in adults with cancer, respectively, by controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Accounting for the complex survey design in MEPS, all data analyses and statistical procedures applied longitudinal weights for national estimates. Results: Among 3,657 eligible adults with cancer, 83.9% (n = 3,040; representing 16 million US individuals per-year) had at least one chronic condition, and 29.7% reported four or more conditions. Among those with cancer, hypertension (59.7%), hyperlipidemia (53.6%), arthritis (25.6%), diabetes (22.2%), and coronary artery disease (18.2%) were the five most prevalent chronic conditions. Chronic conditions accounted for 30% of total health expenses. Total health expenses were $6,388 higher for those with chronic conditions vs. those without (p<0.001). Health expenses associated with chronic conditions increased by 34% in adults with cancer vs. those without cancer after adjustment. Conclusions: In US adults with cancer, the treated prevalence of common chronic conditions was high and health expenses associated with chronic conditions were higher than those without cancer. A holistic treatment plan is needed to improve cost outcomes. Keywords: cancer, multiple chronic conditions, health expenses, health utilization

Patterns of Psychoactive Medication Use in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in the US in 2016: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 089826432095929
Author(s):  
Rashmita Bajracharya ◽  
Danya M. Qato
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Psychoactive Medication ◽  
The Us ◽  
Psychoactive Medications

Objectives: We aim to quantify any use and long-term use patterns of psychoactive medications and explore differences in use by sociodemographic factors in older adults (60–85 years) using the 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Methods: Prevalence estimates of any use and long-term use were calculated. Chi-square and crude odds ratios were calculated to estimate differences in any use and long-term use of psychoactive medication by sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Results: Thirty percent of older adults in the US reported any use of psychoactive medications. Long-term use was significantly higher in women (28.3% [95% confidence interval: 26.5, 30.2]), white (27.8 [26.1, 29.7]), presently unmarried (27.5 [25.4, 29.7]), and low-income (30.3 [27.7, 32.9]) subgroups than in men (20.5 [18.4, 22.5]), Black (14.7 [12.3, 17.1]), presently married (22.8 [20.7, 24.9]), and high-income (21.1 [19.1, 23.1]) subgroups, respectively. Discussion: Despite continued risks associated with use, long-term use of psychoactive medications is prevalent in the older adult population in the US. Given the increased complexity of pharmacotherapy regimens in this population, enhanced efforts at improving use of psychoactive medications should be intensified.

scholarly journals Multiple chronic conditions and associated health care expenses in US adults with cancer: A 2010-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Lynn Davis-Ajami ◽  
Zhiqiang K Lu ◽  
Jun Wu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Panel Survey ◽  
Holistic Treatment

Abstract Background: Cancer increases the risk of developing one or more chronic conditions, yet little research describes the associations between health care costs, utilization patterns, and chronic conditions in adults with cancer. The objective of this study was to examine the treated prevalence of chronic conditions and the association between chronic conditions and health care expenses in US adults with cancer. Methods: This retrospective observational study used US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component (2010-2015) data sampling adults diagnosed with cancer and one or more of 18 select chronic conditions. The measures used were treated prevalence of chronic conditions, and total and chronic condition-specific health expenses (per-person, per-year). Generalized linear models assessed chronic condition-specific expenses in adults with cancer vs. without cancer and the association of chronic conditions on total health expenses in adults with cancer, respectively, by controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Accounting for the complex survey design in MEPS, all data analyses and statistical procedures applied longitudinal weights for national estimates. Results: Among 3,657 eligible adults with cancer, 83.9% (n = 3,040; representing 16 million US individuals per-year) had at least one chronic condition, and 29.7% reported four or more conditions. Among those with cancer, hypertension (59.7%), hyperlipidemia (53.6%), arthritis (25.6%), diabetes (22.2%), and coronary artery disease (18.2%) were the five most prevalent chronic conditions. Chronic conditions accounted for 30% of total health expenses. Total health expenses were $6,388 higher for those with chronic conditions vs. those without (p<0.001). Health expenses associated with chronic conditions increased by 34% in adults with cancer vs. those without cancer after adjustment. Conclusions: In US adults with cancer, the treated prevalence of common chronic conditions was high and health expenses associated with chronic conditions were higher than those without cancer. A holistic treatment plan is needed to improve cost outcomes.

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