Self-Reported Health Status Predictors of Healthcare Services Utilization and Charges in Elderly Asthmatic Patients

Abstract

This study examined the associations between self-reported health status predictors and healthcare service utilization in a cohort of elderly asthmatic patients. The results of the study showed a strong association among self-reported prior healthcare utilization, comorbidities, patient's perception of health status, and self-reported quality of life with healthcare service utilization and charges. A large amount of variance in healthcare service utilization and charges in this population was explained by these factors. Patient's self-reported health status could be important in earlier detection of high-risk older adults with asthma, and targeting them for disease management interventions.

Key Words:

• Asthma
• Older adults
• Self-reported health status
• Outcomes
• Managed care
• Disease management