Bronchiectasis Prevalence Studied in Medicare Patients
New research identified high healthcare utilization and costs for older adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Asthma
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A retrospective study of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries analyzed the prevalence and economic burden of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis between 2017 and 2023. The data revealed significant healthcare utilization, with most patients requiring inpatient hospitalizations.
Why it matters
Understanding the high prevalence and costs associated with this condition helps clarify the healthcare burden for older adults. These findings highlight the need for resources and support systems for a population that frequently requires hospital care.
Researchers analyzed 100% of U.S. Medicare claims from 2016 through 2023 to identify 600,841 incident cases of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The analysis identified high healthcare utilization, with 66.2% of fee-for-service beneficiaries requiring at least one inpatient hospitalization.
The players
Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older that provided the claims and encounter data for this analysis.
CHEST
The American College of Chest Physicians, a professional medical society that hosts an annual meeting for pulmonary and critical care research.
The details
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis was identified through a claims-based definition requiring either one inpatient claim or two outpatient claims at least 7 days apart within a year. The condition creates significant medical demand, as evidenced by the high hospitalization rates observed across both fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage plans. The study cohort had a mean age of 75.9 years and was predominantly female at 61.0%, reflecting the typical demographic profile associated with this diagnosis.
Timeline
Data collection for this study spanned from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2023.
Incident cases were identified from 2017 to 2022.
The crude prevalence rate was calculated based on 2023 figures.
Findings are scheduled to be presented at the CHEST 2026 Annual Meeting on October 18-21, 2026.
Health Landscape
This research contributes to the broader clinical understanding of chronic respiratory conditions within the aging U.S. population. It aligns with ongoing efforts at the CHEST Annual Meeting to categorize disease prevalence and healthcare resource utilization among Medicare beneficiaries.
If you are managing bronchiectasis, these findings reinforce the importance of discussing proactive symptom management and preventive care with your doctor to reduce hospitalization risks. Always monitor for changes in your respiratory health and track your healthcare utilization to share with your medical team.
The takeaway
This study underscores the significant healthcare and economic impact of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis among older adults in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, consider talking to your primary care physician about a specialized care plan to help manage symptoms and prevent hospitalizations.
Further reading
For more information on respiratory conditions and management, visit the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ajmc.
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