Introduction: This study aims to estimate the units and costs of health care services among a cohort of 289 drug users enrolled in a managed care plan in Puerto Rico. Methods: Participants were recruited from communities of the North Health Region of Puerto Rico. This region is delivering services to Medicaid enrollees in managed care since 1995. Drug users not in treatment were recruited following a targeted sample plan based on copping areas (settings were illicit drugs are sold). Data were obtained through individual interviews and review of managed care organizations expenditures. The rate and frequency of medical care visits were also examined. Results: Twelve months after recruitment into the study, 207 (71.6%) received any medical care service. The annual cost per user for total medical services was $441.53. Annual medical charges for inpatient services were $217.19 with an average of 0.69 hospitalizations and 4.3 days of in-hospital care. Outpatient charges were $224.34 per patient per year, with an average of 2.23 primary care visits. Emergency room charges were $43.80 per patient per year with an average of 0.71 visits. Conclusion: This estimate of health care costs and units, one of the first developed in a cohort of drug users in Puerto Rico, is considerably less than recent estimates reported in studies of cohorts of similar populations.
Learning Objectives: To identify the costs of inpatient and outpatient health care services among drug users. To compare the units and costs of health care for drug users with similar populations
Keywords: Drug Abuse, Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.