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PubMed · 14966705

Evaluating diagnosis-based risk-adjustment methods in a population with spinal cord dysfunction.

Grace Warner·Helen Hoenig·Maria Montez·Fei Wang·Amy Rosen
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine performance of models in predicting health care utilization for individuals with spinal cord dysfunction. DESIGN: Regression models compared 2 diagnosis-based risk-adjustment methods, the adjusted clinical groups (ACGs) and diagnostic cost groups (DCGs). To improve prediction, we added to our model: (1) spinal cord dysfunction-specific diagnostic information, (2) limitations in self-care function, and (3) both 1 and 2. SETTING: Models were replicated in 3 populations. PARTICIPANTS: Samples from 3 populations: (1) 40% of veterans using Veterans Health Administration services in fiscal year 1997 (FY97) (N=1,046,803), (2) veteran sample with spinal cord dysfunction identified by codes from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modifications (N=7666), and (3) veteran sample identified in Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Dysfunction Registry (N=5888). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inpatient, outpatient, and total days of care in FY97. RESULTS: The DCG models (R(2) range,.22-.38) performed better than ACG models (R(2) range,.04-.34) for all outcomes. Spinal cord dysfunction-specific diagnostic information improved prediction more in the ACG model than in the DCG model (R(2) range for ACG,.14-.34; R(2) range for DCG,.24-.38). Information on self-care function slightly improved performance (R(2) range increased from 0 to.04). CONCLUSIONS: The DCG risk-adjustment models predicted health care utilization better than ACG models. ACG model prediction was improved by adding information.

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Activities of Daily LivingDiagnosis-Related GroupsFemaleHospitals, VeteransHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedRegistriesRisk AdjustmentSpinal Cord DiseasesUnited StatesVeteransComparative StudyJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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Grace Warner, Helen Hoenig, Maria Montez, Fei Wang, Amy Rosen. 2004. Evaluating diagnosis-based risk-adjustment methods in a population with spinal cord dysfunction.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-9993(03)00768-8

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