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Medical expenditures for major diseases, 1995
1National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA. TAH2@cdc.gov
Health Care Financing Review
|August 3, 2001
Summary
This study analyzes 1995 health care spending by age, sex, and diagnosis. It highlights significant differences in medical conditions and service utilization across demographics, especially for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Public Health
- Medical Statistics
Background:
- Personal health care expenditures (PHCE) represent a significant portion of national spending.
- Understanding expenditure patterns by demographic factors is crucial for resource allocation and policy development.
- Previous analyses may not have detailed breakdowns by specific diagnoses and service types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To distribute Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) estimates of 1995 PHCE by sex, age, and diagnosis.
- To analyze aggregate and per capita expenditures across 18 broad disease categories (ICD-9-CM).
- To specifically examine expenditures for individuals aged 65 and over.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) estimates for 1995.
- Categorized expenditures based on sex, age, and diagnosis using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM).
- Reported both aggregate and per capita spending for various health care services.
Main Results:
- Detailed breakdowns of 1995 PHCE by sex, age, and diagnosis are presented.
- Expenditures vary significantly across the 18 ICD-9-CM disease categories.
- Individuals aged 65 and over incurred the highest health care expenditures, with specific conditions driving these costs.
Conclusions:
- The relative importance of medical conditions and health service types differs between sexes and changes with age.
- Age is a primary determinant of health care expenditure levels.
- These findings provide valuable insights for targeted health interventions and economic planning.