Inpatient transfer episodes among aged Medicare beneficiaries

Examination of data derived from Medicare provider analysis and review (MEDPAR) discharge records for 152,337 transfer episodes of aged Medicare beneficiaries indicates that aged Medicare transfer patients have initial stays comparable to non-transfers in terms of length of stay, case-mix intensity, and total charges. During the final part of the transfer episode, however, transfers are clearly more intense cases than non-transfers. Patients treated for stroke or cardiovascular conditions are more likely to be transferred than other Medicare aged inpatients. The transfer episodes examined appear to reflect clinical considerations based primarily on patient need for specialized care.