Silver Book Fact
Medical care rates during the year following an AFib diagnosis
A study of Medicare beneficiaries found that during the year following an atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis:
• 28% of AF patients (versus 7% of non-AF patients) had 3 or more hospital admissions
• 14% of AF patients (versus 3% of non-AF patients) had 3 or more emergency room visits
• 72% of AF patients (versus 61% of non-AF patients) had 3 or more outpatient visits
Lee W, Lamas G, Balu S, Spalding J, et al. Direct Treatment Cost of Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly American Population: A Medicare perspective. J Med Econ. 2008; 11(2): 281-98. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19450086