Abstract
This study examined the utilization and cost of all health services consumed during the last six months of life by cancer patients, and compared those with and without home-hospice care. Detailed information was extracted from the health care electronic administrative data files on 193 deceased cancer patients that their family approved the study (out of 429, 45%). About 88% had been hospitalized for 19 days on average and 53% visited the ER. One quarter received home-hospice care. Their average cost was $13,648 compared to $18,503 for patients without home-hospice care. Hospitalization contributed 32% to the total cost of patients with home-hospice care and 64% for those with it. The findings support the justification for significant expansion of home-hospice care.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 723-725 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 11 Nov 2014 |
Keywords
- cancer
- cost of services
- end of life
- home hospice
- hospitalization
- utilization of services
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine