Healthy Aging Brain Center improved care coordination and produced net savings

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Mental Health Services

Background:

• The collaborative care model has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing care quality, efficiency, and outcomes for older adults with dementia and depression over the past two decades.
• Implementation of this model in primary care settings is crucial for addressing the complex needs of this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the financial sustainability of the collaborative care model implemented at the Healthy Aging Brain Center (HABC).
• To explore the potential for shared savings between payers and providers utilizing the HABC model.
• To project the nationwide economic impact of widespread adoption of the HABC model.

Main Methods:

• The study involved the implementation of the collaborative care model at the Healthy Aging Brain Center (HABC), a memory care clinic within Eskenazi Health, an integrated safety-net health care system.
• Data on cost savings and financial sustainability were generated from the clinic's operations.
• Analysis focused on the financial viability and potential economic benefits of the implemented care processes.

Main Results:

• The HABC generates substantial annual net cost savings, up to $2,856 per patient.
• These savings translate into millions of dollars for Eskenazi Health's patient population.
• The study confirms the financial sustainability of the care processes implemented at the HABC.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative care model, as implemented at the HABC, is financially sustainable.
• There is a significant opportunity for payers and providers to share in the cost savings generated by this model.
• Nationwide implementation of the HABC model could result in billions of dollars in annual cost savings, highlighting its economic potential.