Nation's seniors to represent more than half of all US hospital admissions by 2027, according to new Solucient findings

Nevada RNformation, Feb 2003

Colorado, Washington among states that will show largest increases

In 25 years, inpatient hospitals across the United States could annually admit nearly 9.8 million - or 78 percent -more seniors than current levels, according to a report published by Solucient.

In 2002, seniors constituted approximately 40 percent of national inpatient hospital admissions and 49 percent of hospital beds. But by 2027, seniors are expected to account for the majority of total U.S. hospitalizations with 51 percent of admissions and 59 percent of all beds. The chief reasons accounting for this growth are demographic factors such as the aging of the baby boom generation, increasing life expectancy, and immigration.

These factors are not expected to impact specific health care markets uniformly, however.

"Every market in the United States has a unique demo7graphic profile that will drive up senior care at different rates," said Paul Presken, vice president of content development at Solucient. "The key is to understand how each market will age and grow over the next 25 years."

While states with already large senior populations, such as Florida and Oklahoma, are expected to see a modest increase in inpatient admissions by 2027, states with large baby boom populations and continued immigration will, in fact, experience the largest boost in senior hospitalization over the next quarter century.

For example, each of Washington and Colorado could see increases in acute admissions of more than 100 percent over the next 25 years, according to data used for the report. Denver and Seattle are projected to see increases of 117 percent and 118 percent, respectively.

Solucient's report, National and Local Impact of Long-term Demographic Change on Inpatient Acute Care, is based on US Census data and Solucient's proprietary hospital database. Twenty-five year demographic projections and age-specific hospital utilization rates were combined to create the findings. The report assumes an 80 percent bed occupancy rate and no change in age-specific rates for admissions and patient days over the time period.

For a copy of the report or to order information on a specific market, visit the publications section of the Solucient Web site at www.solucient.com.

Solucient is the leading source of health care business intelligence. Its mission is to provide comprehensive, results-oriented information to drive business growth, manage costs, and deliver quality care. Solucient's expertise and proven solutions enable providers, payers, employers, and pharmaceutical companies to achieve results and realize value. By bridging the gap between data and information, knowledge and value, Solucient drives intelligent business decisions. For more information, visit the Solucient Web site at www.solucient.com.