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"This publication is a necessary resource for the communities ofColorado," says CBGH Executive Director Donna Marshall. "It helps define thecurrent landscape and sets the agenda for making progress in combating theepidemic of Type 2 Diabetes." New to this year's publication is the additionof comparison data between diabetes statistics in Denver and similar marketsacross the nation including Boston, Seattle, Dallas and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
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Colorado charges are generally lower than national
Compared to the national average, charges for patients are generally lowerin Colorado for inpatient, outpatient and emergency department visits. Denverhad lower average charges than Seattle, Dallas, and Minneapolis for emergencyand outpatient claims. Within Colorado, Pueblo charges are higher than othermetropolitan areas for patients who have Medicaid, Medicare or commercialinsurance.
Percentage of Type 2 patients with multiple complications rises
Between 2006 and 2007, the share of Type 2 diabetes patients with morethan two diagnosed complications from the disease grew in five of the sixColorado markets evaluated (Colorado Springs being the lone exception). The2007 Colorado average rose slightly to 3.3%, far outpacing the nationalaverage of only 2% in 2006. "The number of patients with multiplecomplications, such as heart, kidney or eye problems is alarming," said GenaTrujillo, Director of Benefits Administration at the University of Colorado."These complications translate into greater disability and medical costs aswell as increased absenteeism. We are working proactively with Coloradophysicians to improve the management of patients with diabetes."
Denver patients likely to get appropriate tests
The Denver market outperformed national statistics in the areas ofappropriate testing for patients with diabetes in 2007. Patients in Denver aremore likely to have their test for Hemoglobin A1c (a test that shows how theaverage blood sugar has been over the past three months), an eye exam (toprevent or defer possible blindness) or a urine test to detect early kidneydamage. However, Denver ranked below both Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul inall three tests.
About the Colorado Business Group on Health
The Colorado Business Group on Health is a not-for-profit coalition ofemployers seeking affordable, quality health solutions on behalf of itsColorado employer members. The CBGH develops and implements projects on acommunity and state-wide basis.
About the Colorado Type 2 Diabetes Report for 2008
The Colorado Type 2 Diabetes Report for 2008 helps CBGH fulfill itsmission of helping local employers play an active and enthusiastic role inpromoting cost-effective delivery of quality health care to the benefit of thecommunity. The report was produced with assistance from sanofi-aventis. Thecomplete report is available in electronic format on the CBGH website atwww.coloradoHEALTHonline.org and may be downloaded free of charge.Contact: Donna Marshall Tel: (303)922-0939 Fax: (303)922-0938 Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Colorado Business Group on Health (CBGH)
