Effect of Multiple Chronic Diseases on Health Care Expenditures in Childhood. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhong, Wenjun; Finnie, Dawn M.; Shah, Nilay D.; Wagie, Amy E.; St. Sauver, Jennifer L.; Jacobson, Debra J.; Naessens, James M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 6:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 2
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: children -- comorbidities -- medical cost -- chronic conditions -- pediatrics; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/2150131914540916
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

Objectives: To examine multiple chronic conditions and related health care expenditures in children.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all dependents of Mayo Clinic employees aged 0-17 on Jan 1, 2004 with continuous health benefits coverage for 4 years (N=14, 727). Chronic conditions, health care utilization, and associated expenditures were obtained from medical and pharmacy claims.Results: The most prevalent chronic conditions were asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12%), allergic rhinitis (11%), and behavior problems (9%). The most costly conditions were congenital anomalies, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and behavior problems ($9602, $4335, and $5378 annual cost per child, respectively). Annual health care expenditures increased substantially with the number of chronic conditions, and a small proportion of children with multiple chronic conditions accounted for a large proportion of health care costs. In addition, those with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to persist in the top 10th percentile spender group in year-to-year spending.Conclusion: Children with multiple chronic conditions accounted for a large proportion of health care expenditures. These children were also likely to persist as high spenders in the 4-year time frame. Further research into effective ways to manage the health care delivery for children with multiple chronic conditions is needed.