of studies have identified patient risk factors for AMA discharges that included low socioeconomic status, history of a substance use disorder, and male sex. No studies have yet attempted to identify physician factors that increase the risk of an AMA discharge. More research is needed to understand this practice and intervene effectively in a patient-centered fashion. Statistics In the United States, the total number of stays discharged AMA increased 41 percent between 1997 and 2011. For adults ages 45–64 years, the percentage of AMA discharges increased from 27 percent in 1997 to 41 percent in 2011. By payer, the share of AMA discharges increased from 25 percent to 29 percent for Medicare and decreased from 21 percent to 16 percent for private insurance. See also VIP medicine References Health law