Characteristics and outcomes of aged Medicare beneficiaries with a traumatic spinal cord injury: 2002-2005

Model System:

Reference Type:

Accession No.:

Journal:

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

Publication Website:

Abstract:

This study identified trends in the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes of aged Medicare patients with a new traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) discharged from inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the United States during the years 2002 through 2005. A secondary analysis of Medicare claims and assessment data was conducted. Three types of data files were used in the analyses: (1) the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review file (claims data); (2) the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility - Patient Assessment Instrument file (assessment data); and (3) the Denominator file. Results indicated that the number of aged Medicare fee-for-service patients with a recent traumatic SCI treated in IRFs increased from 608 in 2002 to 840 in 2005. Each year, more than half of patients presented with incomplete cervical level injuries. The mean case mix index increased from 1.87 to 2.03 during the 4 years, and the percentage of patients discharged to the community decreased from 62.7 in 2002 to 55.5 in 2005. The median price of an IRF hospital stay was $16,995 in 2002 and $21,625 in 2005.

Author(s):

Participating Centers: