Managed care insurers, who realize that treatment costs can be reduced and patient health improved by delaying or preventing the complications of diabetes, have embraced the concept of diabetes management with a vengeance. But the lack of regular care patients receive raises questions over whether this concern is nothing more than lip service on the part of the managed care industry.
Hospitalization appears to have the biggest potential for plan savings.
While only about one in ten diabetics were admitted to a hospital during the year, the expenses for their inpatient services accounted for over two-thirds of total plan expenditures for the entire group. These data indicate that, for a disease as prevalent as diabetes, the health care industry should be embracing a more comprehensive care management approach. While each of the players in the industry has different financial incentives, it is clear that the overall efficiency and effectiveness of diabetic treatments could be significantly improved. A Glycosylated Hemoglobin, or HbA1c test Findings is produced by HCIA-Sachs, L.L.C. and covers trends and developments in the health care industry. If you would like a free subscription to Findings , click here .