Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
Predictors of high-cost patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder in Japan
Kazuhiro Hayashi1,2, Kenji Miki3,4,5,6, Tatsunori Ikemoto7
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America.
Introduction:
The proportion of neck injuries due to traffic accidents is increasing. Little is known about high-cost patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder (WAD). The present study aimed to investigate whether time to first visit for conventional medicine, multiple doctor visits, or alternative medicine could predict high-cost patients with acute WAD in Japan.
Methods:
Data from a compulsory, no-fault, government automobile liability insurance agency in Japan between 2014 and 2019 were used. The primary economic outcome was the total cost of healthcare per person. Treatment-related variables were assessed based on the time to first visit for conventional and alternative medicine, multiple doctor visits, and visits for alternative medicine. Patients were categorized according to total healthcare cost (low, medium, and high cost). The variables were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to compare high-cost and low-cost patients.
Results:
A total of 104,911 participants with a median age of 42 years were analyzed. The median total healthcare cost per person was 67,366 yen. The cost for consecutive medicine, for consecutive and alternative medicine, and total healthcare costs were significantly associated with all clinical outcomes. Female sex, being a homemaker, a history of WAD claim, residential area, patient responsibility in a traffic accident, multiple doctor visits, and visits for alternative medicine were identified as independent predictive factors for a high cost in multivariate analysis. Multiple doctor visits and visits for alternative medicine showed large differences between groups (odds ratios 2673 and 694, respectively). Patients with multiple doctor visits and visits for alternative medicine showed a significantly high total healthcare cost per person (292,346 yen) compared to those without (53,587 yen).
Conclusions:
A high total healthcare cost is strongly associated with multiple doctor visits and visits for alternative medicine in patients with acute WAD in Japan.
More Related Videos
07:30A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
04:19Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence