Report: Cost effective HealthPartners programs reduce expenses by more than $137 million
Highlights include generic drug use, diagnostic imaging
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - December 30, 2009 - HealthPartners programs designed to improve the quality and efficiency of care reduced medical expenses by more than $137 million last year, according to the organization's 2009 Return on Investment report. HealthPartners reports that decision support for diagnostic imaging reduced unnecessary tests by more than $6.7 million, a 15 percent increase over the previous year's savings.
The program provides physicians the latest guidelines from the American College of Radiology to confirm that a test is appropriate. HealthPartners program to encourage generic drug use resulted in HealthPartners members saving $73.7 million, up from $64 million the previous year. Generics accounted for the biggest cost savings.
"This really demonstrates how well our providers are using best practices," said Babette Apland, HealthPartners senior vice president for health and care management. "It's positive for everyone-patients get the best care that's also the most cost effective."
The programs that were most cost effective include:
Program |
Reduced Expenses |
| Asthma |
$2.4 million |
| Behavioral Health |
$5.6 million |
| Diabetes |
$3.5 million |
| Diagnostic Imaging |
$6.7 million |
| Generic Drugs |
$73.7 million |
| Heart Disease |
$7.4 million |
| Inpatient and Complex Case Management |
$18.7 million |
| Maternity |
$.6 million |
| Rare and Chronic Diseases |
$6.2 million |
| Total |
$124.8 million |
About HealthPartners
Founded in 1957, the HealthPartners family of health care companies serves 1.25 million members and provides care to over 500,000 patients in our HealthPartners care delivery system which includes 70 clinics and three hospitals. It is the largest consumer-governed, nonprofit health care organization in the nation, providing care, coverage, research and education to improve the health of members, patients and the community. HealthPartners is among the top 25 best private health plans in the nation and the top ranked plan in Minnesota according to U.S. News & World Report/NCQA "America's Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10."
Contact: Pat Lund
952-883-5308
pat.a.lund@healthpartners.com
