The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall-related injuries in older adults.

Using a population-based hospital discharge registry with E codes, we examine the 1989 hospitalizations of older adults in Washington State for fall-related injuries. Fall-related trauma accounted for 5. 3% of all hospitalizations of older adults, with hospital charges totaling 53, 346, 191, and resulted in discharge to nursing care more often than other such hospitalizations. An annual hospitalization rate of 13. 5 per 1000 persons and an annual cost of 92 per person is reported. The importance of preventing fall-related injuries in older adults is discussed.