Inflammatory bowel disease value-based model improves outcomes, lowers costs: 3 study insights

A study presented at the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization's 2017 Annual Meeting, Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, in Barcelona, Spain, explored how a value-based care model would affect patient outcomes concerning inflammatory bowel disease, Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News reports.

Aria Zand, MD, of UC Los Angeles' GI Quality Improvement Program, and colleagues used data from the health system's EHR to assess value-based care's effect on IBD-related visits.

The program utilized the services of two physicians, two nurses and two administrators. Exactly 829 patients used a smartphone app to inform physicians of their condition.

Here's what they found.

1. The physicians and their colleagues saw a 79.4 percent decrease in IBD-related hospitalizations. There was a 69.5 percent reduction in emergency department visits, and a 46.6 percent decrease in overall relapse rate.

2. The physicians significantly increased the use of preventative measures like C-reactive protein and stool calprotectin tests.

3. Researchers estimate the value-based care program could save approximately $42.2 million by 2018.

Dr. Zand said his team is expanding the program to include more physicians, nurses and care coordinators. The group is working to implement the system in other areas at UC Los Angeles.

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