Prevention: the cost-effectiveness of the California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program.
BACKGROUND
The California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program is a new preventive approach to improving pregnancy outcomes through intensive diabetes management preconception and early in pregnancy.


METHODS
Hospital charges and length of stay data were collected on 102 program enrollees and 218 control cases. Ninety program enrollees and 90 control cases were matched on mother's age. White's classification, and race. Regression models controlled for these variables in addition to MediCal status, birth weight, and enrollment in the program.


RESULTS
Hospital charges were about 30% less for program participants and days in the hospital were roughly 25% less. The program effects were larger for women that enrolled before 8 weeks gestation. More serious diabetics were also found to have larger reductions in charges and days.


CONCLUSIONS
After adjusting for inflation and differences in charges across hospitals, $5.19 is saved for every dollar spent on the program.
Scheffler
R M
RM
School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94702.
Feuchtbaum
L B
LB
Phibbs
C S
CS
D001724:Birth Weight; D002140:California; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004469:Economics, Hospital; D005249:Fees and Charges; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008423:Maternal Age; D017059:Models, Econometric; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011254:Pregnancy in Diabetics / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D044469:Racial Groups; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors