Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
A new study finds older adults with cancer are more likely than those without cancer to be admitted from the emergency department, even though experts say admission isn’t always the best course of action.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which published the study, observation status is often preferable for cancer patients because it minimizes risks to patients while preserving hospital resources. But researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York found there were only 43 observation status visits per 1,000 inpatient admissions, compared to 69 per 1,000 among a cancer-free group of patients.
The study focused on Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older, using Medicare data for 151,193 patients with cancer, and a similar-sized control group.
"Not all acutely ill patients in the emergency department will ultimately require inpatient admission prior to safe discharge. Patients in observation status should be suitable for rapid discharge once symptoms resolve or diagnoses are confirmed,” Dr. Jeffrey Groeger, one of the researchers, said in a statement.
Hospital readmissions are one measure by which the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare reimburse hospitals, with higher rates 30 days after discharge equalling lower reimbursement for Medicare patients.
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments