Texas County Saves by Minimizing ER Visits

BRENHAM, Texas – A small 17-bed jail has reduced health care costs by monitoring patients more closely and working with county paramedics to avoid expensive, unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

Dr. Stuart Yoffe, a local allergy specialist, first helped the county build an organized, consistent approach to jail care nine years ago. When physicians aren’t available, he makes a certain number of weekly calls to the jail, especially checking out inmates with health complaints.

Dr. Yoffe also initiated an on-call program made effective by substantial assistance from EMS paramedics/EMT's in evaluating inmate's health. The number of emergency room visits and emergency dental procedures has been slashed considerably. Yoffe says the plan has reduced the county's average monthly cost of $15,000 by two-thirds.

Today's expenses include Yoffe's $32,600 annual contract (including a portion of his malpractice insurance); a $3,000 annual dentistry contract; and various medical clinic/hospital services required periodically. Dr. Yoffe credits the EMTs and the commitment of local physicians for making the plan effective. Over nine years, he calculates savings of at least $1 million.