Managed care COVID-19 outcomes in a population health program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Managed care patients (MCPs) share risk factors with the general population for COVID-19, including older age, hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and congestive heart failure (CHF).
• Understanding factors influencing COVID-19 outcomes in MCPs is crucial for targeted interventions and resource allocation.
• The study investigates the impact of outpatient treatment and population health programs on COVID-19 outcomes within this specific patient group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with COVID-19 hospitalizations among MCPs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of off-label outpatient treatment in improving outcomes.
• To compare COVID-19 outcomes between MCPs and a matched mirror group.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study design was employed, comparing 38,193 MCPs in Florida with an age- and gender-matched mirror group.
• Data on COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality were collected from April 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020.
• A dedicated COVID-19 Task Force managed high-risk patients, including medical encounters and outcome tracking.

Main Results:

• Older age and hypertension were key predictors of COVID-19 hospitalization. Obesity, CKD, and CHF were also linked to increased hospitalization rates.
• Patients receiving off-label outpatient medications demonstrated a 73% lower likelihood of hospitalization (P < .05).
• MCPs experienced a 60% reduction in COVID-19 mortality compared to the mirror group (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• MCPs exhibit similar COVID-19 risk factors to the general population, necessitating proactive management strategies.
• The utilization of off-label outpatient medications proved effective in reducing hospitalization rates.
• Comprehensive population health programs significantly contributed to a decrease in COVID-19 mortality among MCPs.