26 Feb Rank, Not Race, Associated with Stroke Outcomes in Military

Posted at 21:23h in Author Interviews, Race/Ethnic Diversity, Social Issues, Stroke by

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Matthew D. Holtkamp, D.O. CPT, MC, USA Medical Director, Intrepid Spirit, Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic Staff Neurologist, Department of Medicine Teaching Fellow, Uniformed Services University Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Fort Hood, Texas 76544

Dr. Mathew Holtkamp,

Matthew D. Holtkamp, D.O. CPT, MC, USA
Medical Director, Intrepid Spirit, Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic
Staff Neurologist, Department of Medicine
Teaching Fellow, Uniformed Services University
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Fort Hood, Texas 76544

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Racial and Socioeconomic disparities in the outcomes of stroke patients is well documented in the US Civilian Healthcare system.

That Healthcare system has wide variations in access to care and in the levels of available care. In contrast, the Military Healthcare system is a single payer system meaning that every member has the same healthcare benefits.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: Our study showed that racial disparities evident in the Civilian Healthcare system does not appear to be present in the single payer military healthcare system.  There was no correlation between race and in hospital mortality, use of IV tPA, or need for discharge to rehabilitation facility after acute ischemic stroke.

However, Socioeconomic factors (using Military Rank as an indicator) are a significant predictor of outcome.  Higher ranks had decreases odds of in hospital mortality, while lower ranks showed increase odds of need for rehabilitation services after discharge

Response:

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Citation:  abstracted presented at the ISC 2017

Does Race or Socioeconomic Class Matter in Socialized Medicine? A Retrospective Analysis of Stroke cost and outcomes in US Military Health Care System James Price, Matthew Blattner, Walter Reed NMMC, Bethesda, MD; John Holtkamp, Greenville/Emporia Social Service

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on February 27, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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