A hospital use evaluation by numerical taxonomy

The manner of customary use of a small hospital has been evaluated using a retrospective classification by numerical taxonomy. A 60 patient random file sample, of a small hospital outpatient medical facility, was reviewed. Groups of facility users were identified and characterized. No single major disease entity accounted for primary economic liability. The analysis correlating diseases with signs, symptoms, epidemiologic and ecologic variables reveals that the epidemiologic and symptomologic features are more closely related to medical care's economic costs. The validity of the classification appears partially verified by the comparison of predicted to known expenses for drugs. It is apparent that numerical taxonomy can provide a method for inventory for complex medical services.