Whitlock E, Morcom J, Spurling G, Janamian T, Ryan S, et al.
Australian family physician. Date of publication 2014 Mar 1;volume 43(3):143-6.
1. Aust Fam Physician. 2014 Mar;43(3):143-6.
Wound care costs in general practice - a cross-sectional study.
Whitlock E(1), Morcom J, Spurling G, Janamian T, Ryan S.
Author information:
(1)MBA, BJSc, former Research Assistant, Focus Health Network, Maroochydore, QLD.
BACKGROUND: The management of wounds presents a significant burden to healthcare
services, consuming a large amount of resources. This study aimed to determine
the cost of wound care in general practice by conducting an audit of current
wound management practices.
METHODS: Eighteen general practices collected data on wound care episodes over a
period of 14 days during December 2011.
RESULTS: For most of the 332 wound care episodes, the total cost was greater than
the total income, resulting in a net loss to the practice. General practitioner
care was the greatest contributor to the total cost and the overwhelming majority
of income was from Medicare Benefits Schedule billing items.
DISCUSSION: In most cases, general practices are not recouping the costs of wound
care. There is a need for policy makers and general practices to review wound
care funding and practices to ensure equitable best practice care is being
provided.
PMID: 24600678 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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