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OBJECTIVE: To measure efficiency in the use of resources for the care lists of four primary care centres (PCC), by using ambulatory care Groups (ACGs). DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: Four PC teams. PARTICIPANTS: All patients attended during 2003. MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables (costs per patient, between medical lists [family medicine, paediatrics] and PCCs) and case load variables. The model of costs for each patient was set by differentiating the semifixed and variable costs. The efficiency index (EI) was set as the quotient between the observed real cost and the expected cost on the basis of ACG distribution, by indirect standardization. The study population was 62 311 patients seen, with an average of 4.8±33.2 episodes/patient/year. MAIN RESULTS: The total health care cost reached €24 135 236.62, of which 65.2% was for prescription, 28.9% for semi-fixed costs, and 2.9% for cost of specialist referrals. The average total cost per patient/year was €387.34±€145.87 (average relative weight). The EI for each centre was: 0.93 (95% CI, 0.85-1.01), 0.97 (95% CI, 0.89-1.05), 1.04 (95% CI, 0.96- 1.12), and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.97-1.13), P |
