Multiple chronic conditions among adults aged 45 and over: trends over the past 10 years.

Studies suggest that the presence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) adds a layer of complexity to disease management (1­6); recently the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services established a strategic framework for improving the health of this population (2). This report presents estimates of the population aged 45 and over with two or more of nine self-reported chronic conditions, using a definition of MCC that was consistent in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) over the recent 10-year period: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, current asthma, and kidney disease. Examining trends in the prevalence of MCC informs policy on chronic disease management and prevention, and helps to predict future health care needs and use for Medicare and other payers.

Emergency department visitors and visits: who used the emergency room in 2007?

KEY FINDINGS: Older adults (aged 75 and over), non-Hispanic black persons, poor persons, and persons with Medicaid coverage were more likely to have had at least one emergency department (ED) visit in a 12-month period than those in other age, race, income, and insurance groups. Among the under-65 population, the uninsured were no more likely than the insured to have had at least one ED visit in a 12-month period. Persons with Medicaid coverage were more likely to have had multiple visits to the ED in a 12-month period than those with private insurance and the uninsured. ED visits by the uninsured were no more likely to be triaged as nonurgent than visits by those with private insurance or Medicaid coverage. Persons with and without a usual source of medical care were equally likely to have had one or more ED visits in a 12-month period.