Resource utilization in home health chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in this country, with a total annual cost of approximately $23 billion. This study examined the impact on total resource utilization when a pulmonary specialty team manages the in-home healthcare of the patient suffering from advanced COPD. Following implementation of the pulmonary specialty team, the use of hospital, emergency department, and skilled nursing facility resources decreased while home healthcare resource use increased. The overall costs were reduced on average by more than $13,000 per patient.