QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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Chronic disabling disease is present in nearly 90% of emergency medical admissions. We have examined its impact on outcomes and costs in one institution, using a database of episodes collected prospectively over 12 years. ⋯ Chronic disabling disease is an independent predictor of hospital LOS and costs in unselected emergency admissions; adjusted for illness severity, it is only a mortality predictor for those with multiple disabling conditions.