Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Husaini, B. A. Articles by Cain, V. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Husaini, B. A. Articles by Cain, V. A. Geriatric Psychiatry Costs, Cost Analysis Service Utilization Dementias (General)

Racial Differences in the Diagnosis of Dementia and in Its Effects on the Use and Costs of Health Care Services

OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in the prevalence of dementia among Medicare beneficiaries by race and gender as well as racial differences in the effects of dementia on the use and costs of health care services. METHODS: Data from a 5 percent random sample of Medicare beneficiaries in the state of Tennessee who filed claims between 1991 and 1993 (N=33,680) were analyzed. Dementia was assessed on the basis of ICD-9 codes in the billing records of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), along with information on gender, race, comorbid psychiatric conditions, use of health services, and the actual amounts paid by HCFA. Patients with dementia related to Alzheimer's disease were excluded. RESULTS: Diagnoses of dementia were significantly more prevalent among African-American beneficiaries than among white beneficiaries (5 percent compared with 3.9 percent). Persons with dementia had higher rates of health service use, particularly for inpatient care, and African-American persons with dementia had the highest levels of service use. Health care costs were also significantly higher for African Americans with a diagnosis of dementia. Among patients of either race, costs were substantially higher among those with comorbid psychiatric conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Racial differences in the prevalence of dementia are clearly evident. Race also plays a role in the effects of dementia on the use and costs of health services, with higher rates of expensive inpatient care among African Americans. Racial differences in both the prevalence and costs of dementia produce a considerable burden on the health care system. Addressing racial disparities in the prevalence of dementia would result in substantial cost savings.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				E. J. Amella, A. P. Grant, and C. Mulloy Eating Behavior in Persons With Moderate to Late-stage Dementia: Assessment and Interventions Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, January 1, 2008; 13(6): 360 - 367. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. E. Sherkat, B. S. Kilbourne, V. A. Cain, P. C. Hull, R. S. Levine, and B. A. Husaini The Impact of Health Service Use on Racial Differences in Mortality among the Elderly Research on Aging, May 1, 2007; 29(3): 207 - 224. [Abstract] [PDF]

				N. Sachs-Ericsson and D. G. Blazer Racial Differences in Cognitive Decline in a Sample of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Education and Literacy Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, November 1, 2005; 13(11): 968 - 975. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. L. Stotland Dementia and Hormone Use Psychiatr Serv, April 1, 2003; 54(4): 574 - 575. [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2003 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us