Massachusetts Study Finds Dying Patients Still Often End Up In Hospital, Rather Than At Home
The study by the state's Health Policy Commission found that in patients' last six months of life, Medicare spends more on hospital care than on any other health service. The New York Times explores the growing businesses geared to help consumers plan for end-of-life decisions.
Boston Globe:
At End Of Life, Hospital Care Consumes Biggest Chunk Of Medical Costs
When death approaches, most people would rather spend their days at home. But in Massachusetts, a remarkable number of dying patients often end up in hospital beds instead, and enter hospice for only a few days, a new analysis has found. Massachusetts, especially the eastern part of the state, ranks among the lowest in the nation for the number of days residents spend at home during their final six months. Nearly one-fourth die in hospitals — a sign of the reluctance in the medical establishment to use hospice or palliative care. (Freyer, 11/2)
The New York Times:
Start-Ups For The End Of Life
Death and dying can be costly, but they are rarely considered a business by consumers. Many would rather not ponder critical decisions about feeding tubes, funeral homes and other end-of-life issues until the need is thrust upon them. But as our population ages and the industry gets more attention, new firms — many of them technology companies — are setting out to compete on price and convenience. (Zimmerman, 11/2)
