When compared to a wide range of hospital length of stays, HMO patterns are similar to fee-for-service patterns, according to a new study by the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP). The organization represents more than 1,000 health plans that provide healthcare for 150 million Americans nationwide.
Using two measurement specifications by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and a set of optimal recovery guidelines, the new study found:
- 91.9% of all HMO admissions and 92.3% of FFS admissions had length-of-stays that were equal or greater than ACS' guidelines for "coverage limits."
- 94.9% of all HMO admissions and 94.7% of FFS admissions had length-of-stays that fell within, or exceeded, ACS recommendations.
- 6.8% of HMO admissions and 7.5% of FFS admissions were longer than the high end of the ACS range. (AAHP, 202/778-3274)