Congressional Budget Office Reports Insufficient Evidence to Conclude that Disease Management Reduces Overall Costs

In October 2004, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) presented a report on disease management to the Senate Committee on the Budget. The conclusion of the CBO was that on a large scale, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that disease management reduces overall costs. The COB did concede that such programs may have other important values and may even show some cost savings in controlled settings.

Disease management experts point out that the reports reviewed by the CBO were old, from an era when disease management was in its infancy. The CBO did not review the latest literature and reports, which document positive outcomes and cost savings. Recent surveys across the nation show that health plans are supportive of disease management programs and have realized improved health outcomes and cost savings for their membership.

The ODS disease management and health promotion programs are developed using the most current, evidence-based medical guidelines. By collaborating with providers and educating members, ODS has seen cost reductions in the care of diabetes with improvements in diabetes health indicators. Early results in other areas suggest similar improvements in costs and improved utilization of healthcare resources.

As a conscientious steward of the healthcare dollar, ODS develops disease management and health promotion programs, paying close attention to clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness. ODS will continue to develop and implement these programs thoughtfully and incrementally to address the needs of employers and members alike.

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