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Charges for diabetes care in Pittsburgh is lower

Charges for the care of people with Type 2 diabetes are lower in Pittsburgh than the both the national and PA averages. The Report shows that the 2005 annual average for hospital inpatient charges for treating people with Type 2 Diabetes was $32,354, significantly lower than the national average of $39,401 that was significantly lower than the PA average of $54,795. The average annual office visit charges for treating people with Type 2 diabetes in Pittsburgh, $1,002, were also lower than the PA average of $1,289 and significantly lower than the national average of $3,266.

Quality of care shows positives

The quality of care indicators for patients with Type 2 diabetes, a major concern, pointed to positive signs for employers who want to ensure that their employees receive appropriate care. In addition to demographic and cost information, the Pittsburgh Type 2 Diabetes Report shows the percentage of people with diabetes receiving recommended services, such as for glucose, Hemoglobin A1C and cholesterol blood tests, as well as eye exams and urine tests for glucose. The percentages for these care indicators are higher in Pittsburgh compared to the national averages. For example, people with Type 2 diabetes in Pittsburgh who received a Hemoglobin A1C test (a key marker for managing diabetes) in 2005 was 77.0 percent compared to the national average of 74.1 percent. 87.2 percent of people with diabetes received the cholesterol test in Pittsburgh compared to the nationally average of 83.9 percent.

PBGH believes that the Pittsburgh Type 2 Diabetes Report for 2006 will help providers and employers continue to support efforts to manage the increasing prevalence, costs and quality of care provided to people with Type 2 diabetes. "PPG is committed to improving the health and wellness of our employees. This report provides bench
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