Prevention: the cost-effectiveness of the California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program is a new preventive approach to improving pregnancy outcomes through intensive diabetes management preconception and early in pregnancy. METHODS: Hospital charges and length of stay data were collected on 102 program enrollees and 218 control cases. Ninety program enrollees and 90 control cases were matched on mother's age. White's classification, and race. Regression models controlled for these variables in addition to MediCal status, birth weight, and enrollment in the program. RESULTS: Hospital charges were about 30% less for program participants and days in the hospital were roughly 25% less. The program effects were larger for women that enrolled before 8 weeks gestation. More serious diabetics were also found to have larger reductions in charges and days. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for inflation and differences in charges across hospitals, $5.19 is saved for every dollar spent on the program.