1918 Influenza Pandemic: In Utero Exposure in the United States and Long-Term Impact on Hospitalizations.

Objectives: To explore associations between in utero exposure to the 1918 influenza pandemic and hospitalization rates in old age (≥ 70 years) in the United States.

Methods: We identified individuals exposed (mild and deadly waves) and unexposed in utero to the 1918 influenza pandemic (a natural experiment) by using birth dates from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old survey. We analyzed differences in hospitalization rates by exposure status with multivariate linear regression.

Trends in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Practice in Nursing Homes, 2000-2010.

Objective: To examine nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) practice in nursing homes (NHs) during 2000-2010.

Data Sources: Data were derived from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting system and Medicare Part B claims (20 percent sample).

Methods: NP/PA state average employment, visit per bed year (VPBY), and providers per NH were examined.

Sensitivity and specificity of the Minimum Data Set 3.0 discharge data relative to Medicare claims.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 discharge record accurately identifies hospitalizations and deaths of nursing home residents.

Design: We merged date of death from Medicare enrollment data and hospital inpatient claims with MDS discharge records to check whether the same information can be verified from both the sources.