Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
Palliative Program’s Impact on Health System Finances
J Oncol Pract; ePub 2017 Feb 28; Isenberg, et al
A palliative care unit (PCU) and palliative care program at a large academic medical center favorably impacted the institution and resulted in patient-centered care, according to a recent study.
Investigators evaluated the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions’ palliative care program. They calculated the per-day variable cost before and after transfer to the PCU; estimated consultation savings; and determined professional fees assuming a 50% collection rate. Among the results:
- The total positive financial impact of the palliative care program was nearly $3.5 million.
- 153 patients were transferred to the PCU, including 60% with cancer.
- Length of stay averaged 5.11 days.
- The daily loss pretransfer to the PCU of ~$1,800 was reduced to ~$1,350 in the PCU.
- The PCU saved more than $350,000 in variable costs, or ~$450 per transfer.
- Cost savings for palliative care consultations were estimated to be $2.75 million.
- $370,000 in professional fees were collected.
Isenberg S, Lu C, McQuade J, et al. Impact of a new palliative care program on health system finances: An analysis of the palliative care program inpatient unit and consultations At Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. [Published online ahead of print February 28, 2017]. J Oncol Pract. doi:10.1200/JOP.2016.014860.