Cost savings associated with the use of community health centers

Authors

Patrick Richard, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MDFollow
Leighton Ku, George Washington UniversityFollow
Avi Dor, George Washington UniversityFollow
Ellen Tan, George Washington University
Peter Shin, George Washington University
Sara Rosenbaum, George Washington UniversityFollow

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-2012

Journal

Journal of Ambulatory Care Management

Volume

Volume 35, Issue 1

Inclusive Pages

50-59

Keywords

Community Health Centers--economics; Community Health Centers--utilization; Cost Savings; Community Health Centers; Disparities; Geiger Gibson

Abstract

This study assesses the potential cost savings associated with the use of community health centers, based on econometric analyses of the 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. After controlling for health status, health insurance coverage, income, age, and other factors, this study finds that patients who receive a majority of their ambulatory care at community health centers have significantly lower annual overall medical expenditures (24%) and ambulatory expenditures (25%) than those who do not. These results are consistent with other studies indicating that, by providing good quality primary care, community health centers can reduce the utilization of other medical services.

APA Citation

Richard, P., Ku, L., Dor, A., Tan, E., Shin, P., & Rosenbaum, S. (2012). Cost savings associated with the use of community health centers. Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 35(1), 50-59.

Peer Reviewed

1