Geriatric Versus Non-Geriatric Approach of Care to Moderate Pra Risk Senior Population

A total of 432 members of Senior Dimensions, a second-generation social health maintenance organization, residing in northern Nevada were identified as moderate risk by Pra screening criteria for the time period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003. Of these members, 166 were impaneled to a practice that only provides care for seniors (age 65 years or older), Geriatric Care of Nevada (GCN), and 266 members were impaneled to multiple primary care providers with standard community-based practices (non-GCN). An annualized cost comparison per unit of service provided as derived from the adjusted use data showed an average savings of $760.00 per member per year for the GCN over the non-GCN population. These savings have occurred apart from the provider fee reimbursement. This represents a potential savings of more than $760,000.00 per year per 1000 moderate Pra risk members within a Medicare managed care program.