Cost savings and clinical improvement through disease management.

Cystic fibrosis is an expensive chronic illness that has not historically demonstrated cost savings and quality of care improvement potential by alternate care plans using comprehensive disease management treatment modalities. This case study describes care provided over a 45-month period to an adolescent female with severe cystic fibrosis involving multiple hospitalizations and $396,000 in total cost of care. Treatment plans before and after the initiation of a comprehensive home care disease management program are described. Clinical improvement outcomes and savings of 33.4% in total costs were documented using longitudinal analysis of paid claims data and medical chart review. Guidelines are suggested for case managers desiring to initiate similar programs of care.