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American Journal of Public Health logoLink to American Journal of Public Health
. 1992 Jul;82(7):1020–1023. doi: 10.2105/ajph.82.7.1020

The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall-related injuries in older adults.

B H Alexander 1, F P Rivara 1, M E Wolf 1
PMCID: PMC1694056  PMID: 1609903

Abstract

Using a population-based hospital discharge registry with E codes, we examine the 1989 hospitalizations of older adults in Washington State for fall-related injuries. Fall-related trauma accounted for 5.3% of all hospitalizations of older adults, with hospital charges totaling $53,346,191, and resulted in discharge to nursing care more often than other such hospitalizations. An annual hospitalization rate of 13.5 per 1000 persons and an annual cost of $92 per person is reported. The importance of preventing fall-related injuries in older adults is discussed.

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Selected References

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