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The cost-effectiveness of Indian Health Service Optometry
1Nova/Southeastern University, N. Miami Beach, FL 33162, USA.
Background:
In this time of federal government cutbacks, federal agencies are looking at the cost effectiveness of their programs. This pilot study is a first attempt at quantifying the cost effectiveness of Indian Health Service (IHS) optometry.
Methods:
Using a super bill system and the Indian Health Service's own value figures per procedure, the cost of providing optometry services at one clinic was compared with the value of the care given in terms of dollars.
Results:
The Indian Health Service receives about $2.44 in care for each dollar spent on optometric services at the clinic studied.
Conclusions:
If the results found are typical of all the IHS clinics, then the optometry program saves U.S. taxpayers more than $14 million per year. Further studies at multiple IHS sites should be performed to confirm these figures.