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The Economic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in the US

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Short Stay Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology ((CONCARD))

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation imposes a significant economic burden on healthcare in the USA. The incidence and prevalence of this condition are growing, especially in the elderly population. Currently at least 3 million people are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the USA, and the prevalence is expected to exponentially increase over the ensuing decades. Hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation reached 479,000 in 2010. The costs to the healthcare system result not only from direct costs of care related to the arrhythmia itself but also to the associated complications of the disease, its treatment, and comorbid conditions, as well as societal costs of lost productivity. Total incremental costs for atrial fibrillation in the USA are estimated to range from $6 to $26 billion annually. The management of atrial fibrillation has evolved over the last decade to include new antiarrhythmic agents, novel anticoagulants, and more invasive treatment options which contribute to the increasing costs of care. New strategies that utilize cost-effective treatment approaches in atrial fibrillation are required to help reduce the total economic burden of this condition. A shift to outpatient treatment options can impact overall costs of care in a positive manner. The use of observation status or dedicated atrial fibrillation clinics may help to reduce inpatient admissions and reduce overall costs of care. New models for inpatient care that merge quality and cost initiatives can enhance clinical outcomes and reduce hospital-related costs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sieck Healthcare, Mobile, AL, USA

    Sandra Sieck RN, MBA

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  1. Sandra Sieck RN, MBA
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Correspondence to Sandra Sieck RN, MBA .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Baylor College of Medicine, HOUSTON, Texas, USA

    W. Frank Peacock

  2. Department of Emergency Medicine, Beaumont Health System, William Beaumont Hospital, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA

    Carol L. Clark

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Sieck, S. (2016). The Economic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in the US. In: Peacock, W., Clark, C. (eds) Short Stay Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31386-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31386-3_3

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31386-3

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