CHAMPUS Recapture in the Treatment of Ear Infections

Abstract

Ear infections, commonly referred to as otitis media, are one of the most commonly occurring problems of childhood. The "hit and miss" treatment of this disorder can result in parental frustration and early referral for surgical treatment. The application of managed care principles require that a standard approach to care be employed for the treatment of this condition. It should be high-quality, low-cost, and accessible to the patient population. The use of group appointments for common medical problems was first recommended by the military-commissioned PRISM III report of the early 1980s. It was felt that this technique could increase access and improve quality of care. A modification of this concept was tested that allowed the advantages of group parent teaching and medical history intake while preserving the individualized approach to care for a larger number of patients. This method was found to increase the productivity of the clinic by over 100%, while reducing the referral of patients outside the AF clinic to less than 1%.