Promoting greater attachment to family doctors could save millions of health care dollars

BC - People with chronic diseases who are regularly served by the same full-service family practice cost the health care system significantly less money than patients not closely attached to a family doctor, a landmark study in British Columbia has found. Most of the savings for attached patients result from a reduced use of hospital services. The study examined usage data from more than 98,000 high-needs patients in B.C. in 2007-08, focusing on two common chronic diseases, diabetes and congestive heart failure (CHF).

“We know that good primary care is better for the patient’s health but now we know that it is better use of our health care dollars too,” said Dr. William Cavers, a Victoria-based family physician and the co-chair of the committee that commissioned the research. “This report on the benefits of primary care, particularly with regard to continuity of care within practices, is an important contribution to our current healthcare policy debate.” said Dr. Barbara Starfield, one of the world’s leading experts on the link between family physicians and better health outcomes.

Marcus Hollander, the study’s chief author stated that “It appears that as little as a 5% increase in attachment to a family practice, for high care needs diabetes and CHF patients, could result in savings of some $85 million annually in BC alone.” The study, which is now available on the web, is reported in the fall issue of Healthcare Quarterly, a leading Canadian health care journal covering health care policy, administration and practice.

“This paper presents compelling evidence of the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive primary medical care for higher needs patients,” said Dr. Anne Doig, president of the Canadian Medical Association. “It is remarkable for the rigour and robustness of the analysis. This landmark study should stimulate the drive to ensure that every Canadian has a primary care physician. “

"This study shows that a well designed, collaboratively developed program between physicians and government that has been effectively implemented will work in an area otherwise fraught with setbacks," said Dr. Brian Brodie, president of the BC Medical Association “These are results from a program designed for all family practitioners that provides better care to patients and saves the system money.

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