Comparison of Uninsured and Privately Insured Hospital Patients

The authors of this study sought to identify whether there are significant differences between uninsured patients and those private insurance in three sets of factors related to hospital care: are uninsured sicker when admitted to the hospital; are fewer resources used their hospital care, given their condition upon admission; and, given their condition, do they have poorer outcomes? Statistical analyses were on a data file of 592, 598 discharge abstracts selected from over 10 discharge abstracts for 1987 submitted to the Commission on and Hospital Activities. Analysis of the data suggested to, et al. that an individual's condition on admission to the hospital, of resources during hospitalization, and likelihood of in-hospital death depending on whether the individual has health insurance. (KIE)