High-cost users still came to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic during first wave data in Thailand: secondary data analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The phenomenon of high-cost users (HCUs) in health care occurs when a small proportion of patients account for a large proportion of health care expenditures. By understanding this phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic, tailored interventions can be provided to ensure that patients receive the care they need and reduce the burden on the health system.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine (1) whether the HCUs phenomenon occurred during the pandemic in Thailand by exploring the pattern of inpatient health expenditures over time from 2016 to 2021; (2) the patient characteristics of HCUs; (3) the top 5 primary diagnoses of HCUs; and (4) the potential predictors associated with being an HCU.

Methods

The secondary data analysis was conducted via inpatient d

SUBMITTER: Karunayawong P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11494780 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature