The savings were recently highlighted in a study released by the Oregon Health Authority. The OHA contracted Portland State University to evaluate the program, which is the foundation of Oregon’s coordinated care model, and administers the application, recognition and verification process for practices applying to become Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes.
“Oregon’s health transformation efforts are making huge strides toward improving the health of Oregonians and controlling healthcare costs,” OHA Director Lynne Saxton said in a statement. “The report … demonstrates that a focus on integrated primary care can significantly save dollars for the state and provide the best healthcare possible to all Oregonians.”
For the study, PSU researchers conducted an analysis of all-payer data. The analysis revealed that for every $1 increase in primary care expenditures, there is an average $13 in savings to the healthcare system, OHA officials said. The study also found the longer a clinic is certified a PCPCH, the greater the cost savings per patient. For a PCPCH that has been in operation for three years, the total cost of care per member, per month is lowered by $28.
Sherril Gelmon, professor in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, said in a statement that expanded support for these clinics, along with continued emphasis on creating a supportive environment for implementation, should both sustain the progress made in the Patient-Centered Primary Care Home Program and invite further engagement from primary care clinics statewide.
At present, about two-thirds of the state’s primary care clinics are recognized as Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes, according to the report.
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