Comprehensive health assessments for adults with intellectual disability living in the community - weighing up the costs and benefits.

Background: Health assessments have beneficial effects on health outcomes for people with intellectual disability living in the community. However, the effect on medical costs is unknown.

Methods: We utilised Medicare Australia data on consultations, procedures and prescription drugs (including vaccinations) from all participants in a randomised control trial during 2002-03 that examined the effectiveness of a health assessment. Government health costs for adults with intellectual disability who did or did not receive an assessment were compared. Bootstrapping statistics (95% confidence interval) were employed to handle the right-skewed cost data.

Results: Over 12 months, patients receiving health assessments incurred total costs of $4523 (95% CI: $3521 to $5525) similar to those in usual care $4466 (95% CI: $3283 to $5649). Costs were not significantly higher compared with the 12 month pre-intervention period.

Discussion: Health assessments for adults with intellectual disability living in the community are encouraged as they produce enhanced patient care but do not increase overall consultation or medication costs.