Study Focuses on More Efficient Treatment Methods

10/27/2010

New research from Kaiser Permanente Colorado finds that patients with heart disease can live longer and save on healthcare costs when they are enrolled in intensive disease management programs.

The healthcare company tracked hundreds of patients, half of whom were enrolled in its collaborative cardiac care service, while the others received traditional care. Those in the collaborative service were matched with personal nurses and clinical pharmacy specialists.

According to the data, those involved in the collaborative service saw an 89 percent reduction in their overall mortality and an 88 percent decline in cardiac mortality. Average healthcare expenditures amounted to $60 per day for this group, which amounted to nearly $22,000 in annual savings per patient.

"Our teams of nurses and clinical pharmacists, as well as our health information technology, require significant investment," said Dr. John Merenech, a co-author of the study. "We always knew it was the right investment because it saved lives. Now we know it's also the right investment because it provides the highest quality care at a lower cost."

When it comes to health insurance, one good way for individuals to control costs is to live a healthier lifestyle, lowering the risk of contracting chronic medical conditions that can result in higher premiums.

ShareThis