Recent Trends in HIV-Related Inpatient Admissions 1996–2000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: HIV-related inpatient utilization declined immediately after the diffusion of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), but some studies suggest that admission rates may have recently begun to increase. Using comprehensive hospital discharge data from 7 states, this study examines trends in HIV-related inpatient admissions and length of stay (LOS) from 1996 through 2000. METHODS: We identified HIV-related admissions by ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes in the range from 042 to 044. Analyses assessed differential patterns of change over time, depending on state, gender, race/ethnicity, and insurance. RESULTS: HIV-related inpatient admissions generally declined each year, but the rate of decline diminished recently. A similar pattern held for trends in inpatient LOS. Admissions for white male patients and for patients with private insurance showed the greatest decreases and the least leveling of the trend. The proportion of HIV admissions to total admissions was highest for black men and lowest for white women. In contrast to the period from 1993 through 1996, the proportion of HIV admissions covered by Medicare was greater than the rate of privately insured admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no substantial evidence for widespread increases in admissions during this period, results suggest that the trend in HIV-related hospital admissions is level in recent years. Racial/ethnic disparities in inpatient utilization persist. Further analysis of the impact of treatment failure or HAART-related complications on HIV admissions is warranted.