Study calls DSM into question
By HME News Staff
Updated Tue November 30, 2004
WASHINGTON - There is “insufficient evidence” to back up assertions from some lawmakers and health experts that disease management programs would reduce Medicare spending, according to a CBO report.
According to the report, the results of research on disease management programs are “mixed” and do not prove that additional screening, monitoring and educational efforts can lower overall Medicare spending by reducing use of acute care services. The CBO also contends that those studies that do indicate a benefit of DSM do not accurately reflect issues that would arise when applying the programs to the older and sicker Medicare population.
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