Congestive heart failure admissions: factors related to hospital length of stay.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an illness that affects millions of Americans each year; the cost associated with treatment and care is extensive. This study was based on a total of 480 patients admitted to the Mercy Hospital in Miami, Florida, during 2005. Average length of stay was significantly different based upon type of health insurance, race/ethnicity, marital status, admission source, attending physician specialty, discharge disposition, number of consultations while admitted, surgical procedure, and illness severity.