Utilization of rehabilitation therapies by nursing home residents with MS at admission

Objective: To identify factors associated with the utilization of physical and occupational therapies by nursing home residents with multiple sclerosis (MS) at admission to the facility. Design: The study analyzed 27,264 admission assessments for residents with MS recorded in the national Minimum Data Set (MDS) between June, 1998 and June, 2003. A multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the MDS data. The total number of minutes of physical and occupational therapies provided are the dependent variables. Independent variables are demographic characteristics, payment source, behavioral symptoms, and a range of health-related characteristics. Results: The use of physical and occupational therapies by residents with MS at admission to the nursing facility was significantly associated with payment source, controlling for other independent variables. Conclusions: When reimbursement is available these therapies are more likely to be prescribed or requested. Since provision of these rehabilitative services diminishes disability and handicap, expanded Medicaid coverage may reduce long term health care costs and also improve the quality of life.