The Lacuna Project

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Exhibit 180

The implications of regional variations in Medicare spending. Part 1: the content, quality, and accessibility of care

Exhibit 180 · Peer-reviewed cohort study

The implications of regional variations in Medicare spending. Part 1: the content, quality, and accessibility of care

patients in higher-spending regions received approximately 60% more care

Medicare patients hospitalized in 1993–1995 for hip fracture, colorectal cancer or acute myocardial infarction, and a survey sample, had similar baseline health across regions. Patients in higher-spending regions received about 60 percent more care, chiefly more inpatient visits and consultations, tests, minor procedures, specialist care and hospital and intensive-care days. Quality was no better on most measures and worse for several preventive measures, and access was no better or worse.

Source
Fisher et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 138(4):273–287
Date
18 February 2003
Quoted from
Abstract, Results (Ann Intern Med 138(4):273-287)
Grade
Peer-reviewed
Document
https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-138-4-200302180-00006
Accessed
2026-11-09
Cited by
Findings citing this exhibit

Cited by

Finding MED-9.7
Peer-reviewed Medicare patients in the highest-spending regions received about 60 percent more care and had no better survival, quality of care, access or satisfaction.