Insurance Status as a Predictor of Hospital Length of Stay in Trauma Patients

Insurance status affects outcomes in trauma patients, with uninsured patients having higher mortality than insured patients as demonstrated in multiple studies over the last two decades.2, 3 The reasons for this disparity are unclear, although it has been suggested that decreased resource utilization may play a role.3 Data regarding HLOS and insurance status in trauma patients are equivocal, with older studies finding either no relationship or increased HLOS in uninsured or low socioeconomic status patients. Lack of insurance in trauma patients is a well-established independent predictor of mortality.2, 3 The reasons for this disparity have not been fully elucidated, with older studies suggesting decreased resource utilization as a possible culprit.3 However, newer studies do not support this hypothesis. [...]it should not be overlooked that the attitudes toward health care may differ between insured and uninsured patients, with uninsured patients possibly having a more negative view of the health care system, and therefore, desiring a faster discharge.