Physical therapy use by community-based older people

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Limited data exists on factors influencing physical therapy utilization among community-dwelling older adults.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying potential disparities in access and use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, and health-related factors associated with physical therapy use in community-based older adults.
• To explore factors influencing the amount of physical therapy received by older individuals.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (N=20,227 individuals).
• Inclusion of community-based individuals aged 65 and older with at least one physician encounter.
• Application of logit and ordinary least squares regression models to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• Higher income, education, private insurance, managed care enrollment, and greater physical therapist supply were linked to increased physical therapy use.
• Age was negatively associated with physical therapy use.
• Factors such as income, private insurance, urban location, and therapist supply positively influenced the amount of physical therapy received, while managed care enrollment showed a negative association.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapy use among older adults varies based on factors beyond medical need, indicating potential underuse or overuse.
• Socioeconomic and geographic factors play a significant role in accessing physical therapy services for the elderly.