Patient Geodemographic Analysis

Within the changing landscape of healthcare reform, demographics have become increasingly more important in the decisions that are made concerning the health and well-being of the citizens within a specific geodemographic area. With geodemographic documentation, the needs of both the community and patient can be determined to establish best practices in healthcare. Changes in population, age, race, and other demographics are evaluated annually to support and identify targeted needs. As we become a nation where our elderly population is growing daily, a paradigm shift must occur within the industry to be prepared to market and meet the needs of this generation. Population aging, named for the rapid growth of the elderly, challenges public health, …show more content…
These assumptions can be accurately predicted by the data that supporting consumer spending on medications increases in elderly populated areas (UW Extension, 2018). We can also assume that nightlife and entertainment spending (restaurants, bars, and theaters) will be lower since the spending is reduced to half in people over 65 (UW Extension, 2018). The healthcare industry regularly uses geodemographics to guide and plan for current and future needs of the medical communities. Recording of the patient demographics is a requirement for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive program payment structure. In order to receive reimbursement ratings, the information must include the patient’s gender, date of birth, preferred language, race, and ethnicity (Practice Fusion, 2011). This information can identify the population of high need patients or those patients that have three or more chronic diseases or functional limitations in their daily care. This group of high need patients will spend an average $21,0000 per year, more than four times that of the average adult in the U.S., on health care services and medications (Commonwealth Fund,