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Determining costs in VA: research design problems and solutions illustrated with case studies
T J Menke1, R H Homan, T M Kashner
1Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, VAMC (152), TX 77030, USA.
Medical Care
|April 27, 1999
Summary
Accurate cost determination for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is achievable despite data limitations. A hybrid approach using primary and administrative data ensures precise health care cost analysis for various studies.
Area of Science:
- Health economics
- Health services research
- Veterans health administration
Background:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative cost databases have inaccuracies.
- These databases lack patient-level data, hindering precise cost analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline VA cost determination methods suitable for diverse study types.
- To provide practical examples of these methods through case studies.
Main Methods:
- Description of VA utilization and cost data sources, noting limitations.
- Discussion of cost determination strategies for critical, non-critical, and new healthcare interventions.
- Presentation of three case studies demonstrating cost-finding techniques.
Main Results:
- A hybrid approach to VA cost determination is proposed.
- Primary data, fiscal information, or non-VA data can supplement or replace administrative data for critical health care.
- Less intensive methods are suitable for non-critical health care; primary data is essential for new program evaluations.
Conclusions:
- Accurate VA cost data can be determined despite existing administrative data challenges.
- The proposed methods offer a viable framework for precise cost analysis within the VA system.