The importance of continuity of care in the likelihood of future hospitalization: Is site of care equivalent to a primary clinician?

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the effect of continuity with clinicians and health care sites on likelihood of future hospitalization. Methods. Delaware Medicaid patient data were analyzed. Logistic regression models supplied adjusted effects of continuity on hospitalization. Results. Patients in the high clinician continuity group had lower odds of hospitalization than patients in the high site/low clinician continuity group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66, 0.87). The latter group did not differ from the low site/low clinician continuity group (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.80, 1.08). Conclusions. A location providing health care without clinician continuity may not be sufficient to ensure cost-effective care.