Health services research
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Health services research · Aug 2005
Comparative StudyNew York's statistical model accurately predicts mortality risk for veterans who obtain private sector CABG.
To determine whether patients' use of the Veterans Health Administration health care system (VHA) is an independent risk factor for mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the private sector in New York. ⋯ Although VHA users had a greater illness burden, use of the VHA was not found to be an independent risk factor for mortality following private sector CABG in New York. The New York Department of Health risk adjustment model adequately applies to veterans who obtain CABG in the private sector in New York.
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Health services research · Jun 2005
Comparative StudySatisfaction with surgery outcomes and the decision process in a population-based sample of women with breast cancer.
To better understand medical decision making in the context of "preference sensitive care," we investigated factors associated with breast cancer patients' satisfaction with the type of surgery received and with the decision process. ⋯ A significant proportion of breast cancer patients experience a decision process that matches their preferences for participation, and report satisfaction with both the process and the outcome. However, women who report more involvement in the decision process are significantly less likely to receive a lumpectomy. Thus, increasing patient involvement in the decision process will not necessarily increase use of BCS or lead to greater satisfaction. The most salient aspect for satisfaction with the decision making process is the match between patients' preferences and experiences regarding participation.
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Health services research · Jun 2005
Comment Historical ArticleCommentary--the history and contradictions of the health care safety net.
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Health services research · Apr 2005
Medicare expenditures for residents in assisted living: data from a national study.
To provide preliminary data on Medicare expenditures for assisted living facility (ALF) residents and to investigate whether ALF characteristics were related to Medicare expenditures for ALF residents. ⋯ These preliminary data imply that both the level and distribution of Medicare expenditures among ALF residents were similar to those among the general community-dwelling Medicare beneficiary population. No significant relationships were observed between ALF characteristics and Medicare expenditures, except the effect of facility size. This result may imply that how the AL industry eventually defines itself in terms of services and amenities, other than size, may have little impact on Medicare expenditures for ALF residents. However, this is a single, initial study, so caution must be exercised when considering the implications of these results.