Predicting High Cost Accumulation: Application Of A Grouping Algorithm For Survival Data

Abstract

A133 hospitalized for ≥ 2 days (hospitalized patients; HPs), or using emergency room (ER) or observation for 1 day (emergency room patients; ERPs). Reimbursements were based on claims and inflated to 2010 USD; costs were derived from 2010 Premier data. Net reimbursement was analyzed by MS-DRG and length of stay (LOS). The risk of all-cause hospitalization and factors correlated with LOS were determined using regression modeling. Results: Across all study years, the median age was 71 for HPs, 65 for ERPs. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 4 for HPs and 2 for ERPs. HPs had more cellulitis on the leg or surgical infection; ERPs had more cellulitis on the face, trunk, or arm. Median HP LOS was 4 days; 33% of patients had LOS > 6 days. Age, race, and history of bacterial infection were correlated with LOS.