Cost of Fall Injuries in Older Persons in the United States, 2005 — Figures 1-2

Total Lifetime Medical Costs of Unintentional Fall-Related Injuries in People 65 Years and Older Treated in Emergency Departments & Released, By Sex and Age, United States, 2005

 

Total Lifetime Medical Costs of Unintentional Fall-Related Injuries in People 65 Years and Older Treated in Emergency Departments & Hospitalized, By Sex and Age, United States, 2005

Medical costs for falls treated in emergency departments (ED) in 2005 in people 65 years and older totaled $6.3 billion—$451 million for patients who were treated and released and $5.8 billion for patients who were subsequently hospitalized.

People under age 70 were more likely to be treated and released than people aged 70+, and the likelihood of being hospitalized increased with age.  Medical costs for fall injuries were consistently higher for women, regardless of age, both for patients who were treated and released and for those who were subsequently hospitalized.