Cost savings associated with the use of community health centers

J Ambul Care Manage. 2012 Jan-Mar;35(1):50-9. doi: 10.1097/JAC.0b013e31823d27b6.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Community Health Centers / economics*
  • Community Health Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cost Savings*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Expenditures
  • Health Services / economics
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Econometric