Does decreased access to emergency departments affect patient outcomes? Analysis of acute myocardial infarction population 1996-2005.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We analyze whether decreased emergency department (ED) access results in adverse patient outcomes or changes in the patient health profile for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Data

We merge Medicare claims, American Hospital Association annual surveys, Medicare hospital cost reports, and location information for 1995-2005.

Study design

We define four ED access change categories and estimate a ZIP Code fixed-effects regression models on the following AMI outcomes: mortality rates, age, and probability of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on day of admission.

Principal findings

We find a small increase in 30-day to 1-year mortality rates among patients in communities that experience a <10-minute increase in driving ti

SUBMITTER: Shen YC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3258371 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature