Has the Affordable Care Act Influenced Cardiology Disease Rates in the San Joaquin Valley?

Abstract

Purpose: The study provides a summary of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) and the burden held on residents despite the increased number of insured under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Methods: Patient Discharge Data were collected from the Office of Statewide Planning and Development (OSHPD) from 2010-2017. With a range of Age 40 to 64. Patients all reside in the San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare). The American Community Survey (ACS) was used for population estimates. Regression was used to model the effects of the ACA on severity diagnosis and length of stay.

Results: From the result, CVD patients from the age of 40-64 declined. Many individuals appeared in 2013 with county indigent or self-pay and changed in 2015 to Medi-Cal. Overall, rates of hospitalization decreased. However, regression analysis suggested an increase in severity diagnoses and an increase in the length of stay after the ACA was implemented.

Conclusion: The study provides a summary of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) and the burden held on residents despite the increased number of insured under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The evaluation of discharge data demonstrates the positive impact the ACA has for those suffering from CVD in SJV.