@article{ref1,
title="Readmission risk and costs of firearm injuries in the United States, 2010-2015",
journal="PLoS one",
year="2019",
author="Spitzer, Sarabeth A. and Vail, Daniel and Tennakoon, Lakshika and Rajasingh, Charlotte and Spain, David A. and Weiser, Thomas G.",
volume="14",
number="1",
pages="e0209896-e0209896",
abstract="BACKGROUND: In 2015 there were 36,252 firearm-related deaths and 84,997 nonfatal injuries in the United States. The longitudinal burden of these injuries through readmissions is currently underestimated. We aimed to determine the 6-month readmission risk and hospital costs for patients injured by firearms. <br><br>METHODS: We used the Nationwide Readmission Database 2010-2015 to assess the frequency of readmissions at 6 months, and hospital costs associated with readmissions for patients with firearm-related injuries. We produced nationally representative estimates of readmission risks and costs. <br><br>RESULTS: Of patients discharged following a firearm injury, 15.6% were readmitted within 6 months. The average annual cost of inpatient hospitalizations for firearm injury was over $911 million, 9.5% of which was due to readmissions. Medicare and Medicaid covered 45.2% of total costs for the 5 years, and uninsured patients were responsible for 20.1%. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: From 2010-2015, the average total cost of hospitalization for firearm injuries per patient was $32,700, almost 10% of which was due to readmissions within 6 months. Government insurance programs and the uninsured shouldered most of this.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1932-6203",
doi="10.1371/journal.pone.0209896",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209896"
}