A Cost-Benefit Analysis of A Community Free Clinic

J Community Health Nurs. 2019 Apr-Jun;36(2):91-101. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2019.1583838.

Abstract

Uninsured patients lacking access to primary and preventive care continues to be an issue. The purpose of this analysis is to describe operating costs surrounding a nurse-driven freestanding community clinic and to calculate quality of life benefits using clinically preventable burden scores. A retrospective records review of patients (n = 200) receiving care at a free clinic were used. Annual costs were $387,252. The benefit gained in quality-adjusted life years is estimated to be 57.47-203.94 yielding a return on investment ranging from $1,200,264-$8,948,184. Free clinics have sustained cost savings over time. Policies addressing this form of care are imperative.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Facilities / economics*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medically Uninsured
  • Practice Patterns, Nurses' / economics*
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States