Incremental Health Care Costs of a Simple Measure of Phenotypic Frailty in Older Adults
2024
Health Care Costs of Frailty in Older Adults
Sample size: 8157
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ensrud Kristine, Schousboe John, Fink Howard, Kats Allyson, Sheets Kerry, Taylor Brent, Boyd Cynthia, Langsetmo Lisa
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota
Hypothesis
Is frailty assessed using the simple SOF phenotype associated with higher healthcare costs in older adults?
Conclusion
Frailty assessed by the SOF phenotype is linked to higher healthcare costs in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Frailty assessed by the SOF phenotype is associated with higher healthcare expenditures.
- Average annualized total healthcare costs were $14945 in women and $15693 in men.
- Incremental costs of SOF phenotypic frailty were $7088 in women and $5909 in men.
Takeaway
Older adults who are frail tend to spend more on healthcare, and we can easily check for frailty in a quick way at the doctor's office.
Methodology
The study used a multi-cohort dataset linking frailty phenotype measurements with Medicare claims.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries, both men and women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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