The Charleston Comorbidity Index

Abstract

In this chapter, we consider the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). This index is published, and the weights used to define risk adjustment in the logistic regression model are clearly identified as well. (Sundararajan et al., 2004) Therefore, we are able to examine this index in detail, and to see if the index is meaningful in terms of adjusting risk based upon patient condition. We will suggest an alternative to the Charlson Index in Chapter 8 that gives improvements in terms of its relationship to outcomes.