Repeated hospitalization for the same disease: a multiplier of national health costs.

In five typical hospitals, and a specialized treatment center, more than half of all patients--and 60 percent of all costs--were attributable to repeated admissions for the same disease. The fiscal and clinical nature of repeated hospitalization suggests changes for national health policy. These will require more sensitive identification of patients "at risk" of recidivism, and insurance mechanisms that relate more rationally and equitably to long-term needs.