HOW DOES THE USE OF HIGH-COST TREATMENTS IMPACT UTILIZATION OF THE MEDICARE HOSPICE BENEFIT?
2024
Impact of High-Cost Treatments on Medicare Hospice Use
Sample size: 7631620
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Michael Plotzke, Christian Thomas
Primary Institution: Abt Associates
Hypothesis
How does the use of high-cost treatments impact the utilization of the Medicare hospice benefit?
Conclusion
High-cost treatments may limit access to hospice care for Medicare patients, leading to shorter hospice stays.
Supporting Evidence
- 19.8% of Medicare beneficiaries received at least one high-cost treatment in the 180 days before death.
- Only 2.1% of beneficiaries used hospice and a high-cost treatment simultaneously.
- The average hospice length of stay for those using high-cost treatments is significantly shorter than for those not using them.
Takeaway
Some patients who need expensive treatments find it hard to get hospice care, which can make their end-of-life care less comfortable.
Methodology
Analysis of 100% Fee-for-Service Medicare Part A/B claims from FY 2017-2021.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing hospice use and treatment access.
Participant Demographics
Medicare beneficiaries who died from FY 2017-2021.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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