Publications [#325413] of Donald H. Taylor

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Journal Articles

  1. Kassner, CT; Bhavsar, NA; Harker, M; Bull, J; Taylor, DH. "Hospital-Based Palliative Care with Medicare Claims: Evidence From Colorado.." The American journal of hospice & palliative care 35.1 (January, 2018): 66-68. [doi]
    (last updated on 2026/01/18)

    Abstract:

    Background

    The prevalence of hospital-based palliative care has been largely anecdotal as an increasing service being provided and there is a need to understand what trends can be analyzed with Medicare data.

    Objective

    To compare 2 methods of identifying hospital-based palliative care in the Medicare population in Colorado.

    Study design

    Through Medicare claims data and phone surveys, we ascertained the presence of hospital-based palliative care services, number of patients receiving palliative care, and number of care visits provided during the previous year.

    Data sources/study setting

    Data were collected from every Medicare-certified hospital in Colorado during 2008 and 2013.

    Measurements

    We measured the presence of hospital-based palliative care teams and their average number of consultations through a phone survey and cross-referenced using a v-code modifier of Medicare claims indicating a palliative care consult visit.

    Results

    The number of hospital-based palliative care consultations increased five-fold from 2008-2013, and Medicare claims under-counted the number of these consultations compared to phone surveys.

    Conclusion

    The systematic measurement of palliative care nationally is a key priority. More evidence is needed from other states to better understand the usefulness of Medicare claims in this effort.

Donald H. Taylor

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