Cost, wait time influence choice of health care setting for minor illnesses

Out-of-pocket costs and wait times influence individuals ’ choice of health care setting for minor illnesses, according to a study by UC Irvine researchers affiliated with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.The study, which surveyed over 5,000 UC Irvine employees, showed that people choose to seek care in a variety of settings — urgent care centers, retail clinics and virtual visits — for their minor illnesses and injuries rather than just at emergency rooms or in primary care physicians’ offices. Their decisions also depend on out-of-pocket costs and wait times.Based on these results, the researchers developed a  simulation model, which allows users to predict the care setting individuals will choose, based on their characteristics. The simulation tool may be accessed at UC Irvine department of medicine’sWhere Do Patients Go page.Researchers reported that cost and wait time are important factors in individuals ’ decision to seek help in other care settings, and that their choices depended on the severity of the illness or injury.The study ’s authors say the simulation model can be used by insurers, providers and policymakers to predict the care settings patients will choose for a variety of illnesses and injuries, such as colds, eye infections, skin rashes, sprains and cuts. The researchers note the growing use of these settings in a changing health care market that is moving toward increasing cost efficiency while meeting patient needs.“This tool ...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news