Missed or Delayed Medical Care Appointments by Older Users of Nonemergency Medical Transportation. (20th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: MacLeod, Kara E.; Ragland, David R.; Prohaska, Thomas R.; Smith, Matthew Lee; Irmiter, Cheryl; Satariano, William A.
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 55:Number 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1026
• Page End: 1037
• Publication Date: 2014-02-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Older adults -- Medicaid -- Transportation; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnu002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose of the Study: This study identified factors associated with canceling nonemergency medical transportation appointments among older adult Medicaid patients. Design and Methods: Data from 125, 913 trips for 2, 913 Delaware clients were examined. Mediation analyses, as well as, multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Over half of canceled trips were attributed to client reasons (e.g., no show, refusal). Client characteristics (e.g., race, sex, functional status) were associated with cancelations; however, these differed based on the cancelation reason. Regularly scheduled trips were less likely to be canceled. Implications: The evolving American health care system may increase service availability. Additional policies can improve service accessibility and overcome utilization barriers.