Health Affairs ’ March Issue: Delivery System Innovation

The March issue of Health Affairs explores various aspects of delivery system innovation as it relates to efficiency, improved quality, better patient engagement, and a more satisfied clinical workforce. The issue was supported by Blue Shield of California Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, Missouri Foundation for Health, and New York State Health Foundation. YMCA of the USA interventions reduce Medicare spending and utilization The YMCA of the USA’s prediabetes intervention program saved Medicare an average of $278 per member per quarter over the first three years. Maria Alva of RTI International and coauthors reviewed claims data to test whether the program—which helps participants lose weight and increase physical activity—would reduce medical spending and utilization in the Medicare population. They found that program participants had lower spending than a comparison group. Total decreases in inpatient admissions and emergency department (ED) visits were also significant, with nine fewer inpatient stays and nine fewer ED visits per 1,000 participants per quarter. Results on spending estimates from the first two years of this evaluation were cited in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ policy determination that Diabetes Prevention Program services were eligible for coverage as additional preventive services under Medicare. The authors note that to address the growing incidence of diabetes in the US, large-scale diabetes prevention efforts need ...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Elsewhere@ Health Affairs Health Affairs journal Source Type: blogs