This study relied on data from questionnaires completed by nearly 6,500 Kaiser Permanente Northwest Medicare patients from Dec. 2006-Oct. 2008. For their study, researchers combined two types of data in a Medicare population: a claims-based predictive model and patient-reported outcomes. The researchers determined that self-reported information about being in poorer health was a key determinant in predicting higher inpatient admissions and for being in the top tier for costs.
For instance, higher admission rates and costs were associated with patients who self-reported lower scores for general health and answered yes to “do you need help with one or more activities of daily living?” and yes to “do you have a bothersome health condition?”
Predicting costs and admissions more accurately is also important in improving care. This data can enable providers to identify at-risk patients earlier and appropriately assign resources, the authors said.
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