Term: Discretionary Nature of Services

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2007-09-26

Definition:

Recognition that some services are discretionary in nature, and as such, cause variation among rates of admission to hospital in different regions. Three categories for inpatient hospital care are defined: high variation medical conditions, surgical conditions, and low variation conditions.

Related concepts 

• Discretionary, Non-discretionary and Intermediate Procedures

Related terms 

• Discretionary Diagnosis
• Discretionary Procedures
• High Variation Medical Conditions
• Low Variation Conditions
• Non-Discretionary Procedures
• Surgical Conditions
• Utilization of Hospital Resources

References 

• Black C, Roos NP, Burchill CA. Utilization of Hospital Resources. Volume I: Key Findings. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1993. [Report] (View)
• Black C, Roos NP, Burchill CA. Utilization of Hospital Resources. Volume II: Methods and Tables. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1993. [Report] (View)
• Frohlich N, Markesteyn T, Roos NP, Carriere KC, Black C, De Coster C, Burchill CA, MacWilliam L. A Report on the Health Status, Socio-Economic Risk and Health Care Use of the Manitoba Population, 1992-93 and Overview of the 1990-91 to 1992-93 Findings. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation, 1994. [Report] [Summary] (View)