Although a formal cost-effectiveness analysis is beyond
the scope of the study reported herein, the 180-
day hospital cost data suggest a semi-annual cost savings
of approximately $147 797: ([mean 180-day hospital
costs in the control group minus mean 180-day hospital
costs in the intervention group] multiplied by the number
of patients in the intervention group) minus the 180-
day costs for the intervention of $37155.When these costs
are extrapolated to an entire year, the annual cost savings
are projected to be $295594. However, this comparison
is probably conservative for several reasons. The
health delivery system that participated in this trial had
already made great progress in reducing hospital readmission.
Thus, there would be greater potential for additional
reductions in health delivery system that had not
reached this level of achievement. In addition, there may
be unmeasured costs of reducing hospitalization that are
not accounted for in this calculation.