Understanding the Impact of Non-Health System Supports on High-Need-High-Cost Patient Outcomes

Abstract

The cost of health care services provided to high need high cost (HNHC) patients is one-fifth of all health care spending even though they only account for 1 percent of patients (Hayes et al., 2016). To improve efficiency and outcomes for this population, Care Management Programs and Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) coordinate care for these patients. While CMPs have resulted in reduced spending for HNHC patients, there may be other factors outside the healthcare systems' formal structures that influence the health of this population of patients. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of non-health system programs and services on HNHC patients who are also participating in ACO care management programs.