Utilization of health care services increased in several service categories for musculoskeletal disease conditions. The largest increase was found for persons with arthritis and joint pain in the service categories of physician visits, nonphysician visits, prescription medications, and hospital discharges. However, a large proportion of these increases are due to the increase in the numbers of individuals with arthritis and joint pain, which is due at least in part to changes in MEPS methodology in 2001 and 2007. Home health care days increased fastest among those with osteoporosis and related conditions, but this was closely followed by persons with arthritis and joint pain. The lowest increase in hospital discharges occurred among those reporting musculoskeletal injuries, while those with spine conditions experienced the lowest growth in the remaining services. (Reference Table 10.3 PDF CSV)
Edition:
- 2014