Geographical proximity and health care utilization in veterans with SCI&D in the USA

Sherri L. LaVela, Bridget Smith, Frances M. Weaver and Scott A. Miskevics

Social Science & Medicine, 2004, vol. 59, issue 11, 2387-2399

Abstract: In the USA, substantial geographic variation in health care utilization exists in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Utilization of health care services is especially important for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI&D) who are often at high risk for secondary complications related to their SCI&D. Due to impaired mobility, access to health care for veterans with SCI&D may be even more challenging. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to describe health care utilization relative to SCI&D veteran residential geographic proximity to VA health care facilities. A negative binomial regression model was used to examine VA outpatient utilization. Veterans with SCI&D utilized outpatient services less frequently when VA facilities were farther away from their residences (p

Keywords: Spinal; cord; injury; Veterans; Health; care; access/utilization; USA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2004
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