Study Finds Kaiser Permanente Early Start Program Could Save U.S. Billions In Health Costs
Dec 31, 2011
A program for women at risk of substance abuse during pregnancy could save nearly $2 billion annually in health care costs if implemented nationwide, according to a Kaiser Permanente study. Launched in 1990, Kaiser Permanente's Early Start program integrates obstetric care with substance abuse treatment for pregnant women in three ways: by screening all women for drug, cigarette, and alcohol use; by having a licensed substance abuse expert seeing patients in the OB/GYN department at the same time as their prenatal care appointments; and by educating all providers and patients about the effects of drug, alcohol, and cigarette use during pregnancy.
This program has helped pregnant women at risk of substance abuse achieve similar health outcomes—for both mothers and their infants—as women who do not use cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. In addition, Kaiser Permanente has proved that the program decreases maternal and neonatal morbidity and stillbirths. "This program is a very low-technology intervention that has an enormous net cost savings," Dr. Nancy C. Goler, the study’s lead author, said. "Now, we're able to show everyone that not only is it the right thing to do, we will save money."
Learn More: Consequences of Drug Abuse
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Medical News Today