The outlook for hospital spending.
Hospital use and spending greatly increased in 2001 and 2002, reversing a long-term trend. In this paper we contend that the forces driving current hospital expenditures are more likely to continue than they are to abate. If current trends continue, real hospital spending per capita will increase 75 percent between 2002 and 2012, and the demand for hospital beds will increase considerably. We discuss numerous forces that will contribute to spending growth, including technology, which is likely to continue to raise costs. We also find that hospital spending by baby boomers grew more rapidly than that of the elderly, a change in trend that could presage increased spending as this cohort moves into higher-spending age groups.
Shactman
David
D
Schneider Institute for Health Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
Altman
Stuart H
SH
Eilat
Efrat
E
Thorpe
Kenneth E
KE
Doonan
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001509:Bed Occupancy / Q000639:trends; D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000191:economics; D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D004469:Economics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007250:Inflation, Economic; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008875:Middle Aged; D011157:Population Dynamics; D014481:United States