Treatment and Outcomes for Congestive Heart Failure by Race/Ethnicity in TRICARE

• DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e318207ef87
• Publication Date: 2011-03-19T06:47:57Z
• Authors: Ann D. Bagchi; Kate Stewart; Catherine McLaughlin; Patricia Higgins; Thomas Croghan
• Keywords: Odds

Background Equitable access to health insurance coverage may improve outcomes of care for chronic conditions and mitigate racial/ethnic disparities. This study examines disparities in the treatment TRICARE beneficiaries with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods Using a retrospective cohort analysis, we examined demographic characteristics, sources care, comorbid 2183 Military Health System's program (representing 115,584 after adjusting survey weights) CHF. Treatments included use CHF-related medications, while outcome interest was any potentially avoidable hospitalizations (PAHs). Results While African Americans were less likely than whites have received beta blockers angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor following CHF diagnosis (P<0.0001). Hispanics were, some cases, equally as receive pharmacological treatments In multivariate models, there no significant differences odds PAH; age greater 65 most predictor PAH. Conclusions suggests that although are racial ethnic receipt therapy among beneficiaries, these do not translate into likelihood The findings support previous research suggesting equal