Objective: To identify the impact of private insurance coverage on discharge disposition after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) using injury in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) as a proxy for private insurance, controlling for age and severity of injury.
Method: Cross-sectional study.
Patients: Patients with TBI discharged between 1993-1994 and 2000-2001 (n = 9,703).
Main outcome measure: Discharge destination from acute care; controlled odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) for type of injury.
Results: Type of injury, age, and length of stay are significantly associated with discharge destination. However, the motor vehicle accident patients are 56% more likely to be discharged to home with support services than patients with similar injuries from falls.
Conclusion: Even in a system with universal coverage, availability of private insurance type is a potential independent determinant of post-acute care services. More research is required to determine the effect this relationship has on the cost and outcomes of care for TBI patients.