This study demonstrates efficacy and cost effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for Medicaid patients with chronic pain .The Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority (SBRHA) a county organized health system (COHS)since 1983, serves 41,000 Medi-Cal recipients in Santa Barbara County . SBRHA researched efficacy and cost effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain for patients who had had limited or no response to conventional pain treatment.For these patients pain relief often consisted of supplemental self-medication with alcohol or illicit drugs.
Conventional chronic pain treatment programs explored had a minimum cost of $7,000 to $15,000 per member. As a Medicaid program we couldn't justify expending funds studying options unlikely to be cost effective . We looked at the alternative therapies of acupuncture and Feldenkrais, in part because of the growing integration and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine into managed care settings.
Target population were Medicaid patients with chronic headaches and/or musculskelatal problems .45 members were notified of the program.15 started ,6 completed program and 3 completed half . Cost effectiveness calculations compared Medicaid costs for each patient one year pre and post intervention. Costs went down roughly 25% for outpatient and ER care.Cost of antidepressant treatment went up because of change in community practice standards from tricyclics to SSRIs .All other prescription costs went down. Function and perception of pain were measured using the National Pain Data Bank protocol from the American Academy Pain Management.Patients had more mobility and decreased perception of pain both immediately after the program and one year later.
Learning Objectives: understand the efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic pain in a Medicaid population discuss the value of offfering acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain appreciate the value of expanding access to acupuncture in a managed care setting
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Medicaid Managed 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.