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Citation |
Coben JH, Steiner CA, Owens P. Am. J. Prev. Med. 2004; 27(5): 355-362. |
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Affiliation |
Center for Delivery, Organization, and Markets, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Coben, Steiner, Owens), Washington DC; Departments of Emergency Medicine and Community Medicine, Injury Control Resea |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
15556734 |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of motorcycle-related hospitalization in the United States in 2001 and to describe the demographic, clinical, hospital, and financial characteristics associated with these injuries. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of the 2001 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project was conducted in 2003. RESULTS: There were an estimated 30,505 (confidence interval=26,566-34,445) motorcycle-related hospital discharges in 2001. Approximately 62% of cases were aged >/=30 years, and males accounted for 89% of cases. The most common principal diagnoses were fractures of the lower limb (29.4%), fractures of the upper limb (13.1%), and intracranial injuries (12.3%). The mean length of stay was 5 days, the median hospital charge was $15,404, and the total estimated hospital charges were >$841 million. The majority of patients (56.5%) were admitted to large urban teaching hospitals, and these hospitals accounted for nearly 70% of all hospital charges. Approximately 26% of cases were self-pay or listed public insurance as the expected payer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings shed light on the substantial morbidity and financial impact of motorcycle-related injuries. Renewed and strengthened prevention efforts are warranted. |