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Abstract

This study examined the utilization and cost of all health services consumed during the last six months of life by cancer patients, and compared those with and without home-hospice care. Detailed information was extracted from the health care electronic administrative data files on 193 deceased cancer patients that their family approved the study (out of 429, 45%). About 88% had been hospitalized for 19 days on average and 53% visited the ER. One quarter received home-hospice care. Their average cost was $13,648 compared to $18,503 for patients without home-hospice care. Hospitalization contributed 32% to the total cost of patients with home-hospice care and 64% for those with it. The findings support the justification for significant expansion of home-hospice care.

Keywords

utilization of services cost of services cancer home hospice end of life hospitalization

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Utilization and Cost of Services in the Last 6 Months of Life of Patients With Cancer - With and Without Home Hospice Care

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