The researchers examined 15,545 admissions from the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. The patients were either discharged home or to self-care and the overall mortality rate was 0.46 percent. The researchers found the average hospitalization cost increased from $45,452.24 in 2003 to $76,698.96 in 2010.
The independent predictors of adverse discharge disposition were:
- Elderly patients
- Female
- Black race
- Lower median household income
- Nonprivate insurance
- Higher comorbidity index
- Complications
- Larger hospital size
- Northeast region
- Weekend admission
- Non-elective admission
The factors associated with higher hospital charges were:
- Young patients
- Higher median household income
- Nonprivate insurance
- Complications
- Higher comorbidity index
- High volume hospitals
- Western region
- Teaching hospitals
- Weekend admissions
- Nonelective admissions
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