Health Care Utilization Patterns Among Adults With or Without Functional Disabilities.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Adults with functional disabilities require more medical care, but it remains unclear whether they use more health services, including high- and low-value services.

Objectives

To examine health care utilization by functional disability among US adults.

Design, setting, and participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2013 to 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The sample comprised noninstitutionalized US civilians aged 18 years or older. Statistical analysis was conducted between May and October 2024.

Exposures

Self-reported functional disability. Functional disability was assessed through 6 questions on difficulties (with vision, hearing, memory or concentration, walking, self-care, and performing errands) and categorized as no

SUBMITTER: Park S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11992608 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature