Feasibility Study Analyzing the Possibility of Creating an Inpatient Rehabilitation Product Line

摘要

This study is an analysis examining the feasibility of conducting inpatient rehabilitation at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). Over $9 million was spent caring for 703 patients that used 10,322 bed days in 1999- 2000. Costs increased from $3.4 million in 1999 to $5.6 millionin 2000. A cost benefit analysis shows potential savings range from $1-$3.8 million per year. Milliman and Robertson criteria, when applied to NMCSD s population reveal that costs should range from $1.8 to $3.4 million. The literature and other data indicate that there is variability among rehabilitation patients outcomes, and quality is not readily measured. It was concluded that NMCSD could conduct less costly inpatient rehabilitation, and increase continuity of care. This would also facilitatean increased ability to measure outcomes and quality. Although a great deal depends on the changing healthcare benefit, primarily the elimination of TRICARE Senior Prime, TRICARE beneficiaries may benefit from a small inpatient rehabilitation unit. There are also opportunities to determine if active duty readiness could be improved by having inpatient rehabilitation. The MHS should continue to evaluate all opportunities to provide services across the continuum of care.