Long-Term Effects of Outpatient Geriatric Evaluation and Management on Health Care Utilization, Cost, and Survival

Purpose: The long-term effectiveness and efficiency of an outpatient geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) program was compared to usual primary care (UPC). Design and Method: A randomized controlled group design was used. Health care utilization, cost of care, and survival were assessed during a 48-month period among a sample of 160 male veterans age 55 and over who were above-average users of outpatient services. Results: The results indicate that GEM patients incurred significantly lower overall health care costs than UPC patients by 24 months and that cost savings plateaued during the 24- to 48-month period. Cost savings were due primarily to fewer hospital days of care. No significant differences were found in survival. Implications: Results of this follow-up study suggest that outpatient GEMoffers a specialized health delivery option for frail older persons that may reduce costs over the long term without having a negative impact on survival rates.