Following the Money: Factors Associated with the Cost of Treating High-Cost Medicare Beneficiaries

This study by the Center for Studying Health System Change examines key patient, physician, practice, and market characteristics to identify factors associated with the cost of treating of high-cost Medicare beneficiaries.

Among the findings, patient health was the predominant cost predictor, as opposed to physician, practice, and market factors. The study concludes that current health reform policies to improve care and lower costs may have small effects on high-cost patients who consume most resources. Instead, developing interventions tailored to improve care and lowering cost for specific types of high-cost patients may hold greater potential for ‘‘bending the cost curve.’’