UTILIZATION OF ACUTE INPATIENT SERVICES FOR ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION

This study indicates that the majority of patients admitted to VA hosp itals for medical detoxification could have those services provided on an outpatient or less intensive basis. However, inpatient medical det oxification services appear to be appropriate for those alcoholics at risk for potential life-threatening complications of withdrawal such a s delirium tremens, or those with concurrent associated medical condit ions such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, or complications of cirrhosis. Data were obtained from a national random sample of hos pitalizations in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient medical and surgical units. Medical records for 144 alcoholism-related medica l admissions to 35 VA medical centers were reviewed using the Appropri ateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP), a clinically based utilization revi ew instrument widely used in the private sector The medical records fo r the admission and each day of medical/surgical inpatient stay were r eviewed using clinical criteria for the appropriateness of acute inpat ient care as opposed to lower levels of care.