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Readmission risk and costs of firearm injuries in the United States, 2010-2015

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  • Sarabeth A Spitzer
  • Daniel Vail
  • Lakshika Tennakoon
  • Charlotte Rajasingh
  • David A Spain
  • Thomas G Weiser

Abstract

Background: In 2015 there were 36,252 firearm-related deaths and 84,997 nonfatal injuries in the United States. The longitudinal burden of these injuries through readmissions is currently underestimated. We aimed to determine the 6-month readmission risk and hospital costs for patients injured by firearms. Methods: We used the Nationwide Readmission Database 2010–2015 to assess the frequency of readmissions at 6 months, and hospital costs associated with readmissions for patients with firearm-related injuries. We produced nationally representative estimates of readmission risks and costs. Results: Of patients discharged following a firearm injury, 15.6% were readmitted within 6 months. The average annual cost of inpatient hospitalizations for firearm injury was over $911 million, 9.5% of which was due to readmissions. Medicare and Medicaid covered 45.2% of total costs for the 5 years, and uninsured patients were responsible for 20.1%. Conclusions: From 2010–2015, the average total cost of hospitalization for firearm injuries per patient was $32,700, almost 10% of which was due to readmissions within 6 months. Government insurance programs and the uninsured shouldered most of this.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarabeth A Spitzer & Daniel Vail & Lakshika Tennakoon & Charlotte Rajasingh & David A Spain & Thomas G Weiser, 2019. "Readmission risk and costs of firearm injuries in the United States, 2010-2015," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0209896
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Spitzer, S.A. & Staudenmayer, K.L. & Tennakoon, L. & Spain, D.A. & Weiser, T.G., 2017. "Costs and financial burden of initial hospitalizations for firearm injuries in the United States, 2006-2014," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(5), pages 770-774.
    2. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303684_9 is not listed on IDEAS
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