Go backSearch Session number: 1152

Workshop title: Methods for determining costs in VA studies: the use of average cost and micro-cost tools

Author(s):
MW Smith VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center
CS Phibbs VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center Stanford University
TH Wagner VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center Stanford University
W Yu VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center Stanford University
S Chen VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center
PG Barnett VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center Stanford University




Objective(s): The workshop will review methods for estimating VA patient costs. We will briefly review the HERC average cost datasets, where to find documentation, and how to use them. We will then present micro-cost methods that can be used when the average cost-datasets do not suffice.

Activities: This workshop will review HERC's inpatient and outpatient average cost (AC) datasets that are available at the Austin Automation Center. The first half of the workshop will review the AC inpatient and outpatient datasets. Emphasis will be on using these data and on their validity and limitations. We will then explain when micro-costing methods are more appropriate than average cost methods. Methods of micro-costing, including direct measure, pseudo-bills, and cost functions, will be presented. The disadvantages of micro-costing will also be explained.

Target audience: Health services researchers and VA managers interested in VA cost information.

Audience familiarity: For all background levels. Attendees need not have an economics background.