Health services research
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Health services research · Jan 1979
Evaluation of emergency ambulance characteristics under several criteria.
A methodology and analysis are presented for evaluating response time characteristics of emergency ambulance systems. The methodology is based on a Monte Carlo simulation technique and a heuristic optimal-seeking technique for locating emergency ambulances under several criteria based on response time distribution. Optimization criteria include minimum mean system response time, minimum system fractile response time and minimum level-loaded response time. ⋯ From these results alternative dispatch polices can be evaluated. Complementing the analysis is a presentation of a sensitivity analysis and an analysis of existing ambulance sites. Unique to the methodology is the adaption of the heuristic optimal-seeking technique to include any of the three criteria and the effectiveness of the methodology for analyzing small or large ambulance systems.
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Health services research · Jan 1978
Comparative StudyUse of out-of-plan services by Medicare members of HIP.
Use of out-of-plan services in 1972 by Medicare members of the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP) is examined in terms of the demographic and enrollment characteristics of out-of-plan users, types of services received outside the plan, and the relationship of out-of-plan to in-plan use. Users of services outside the plan tended to be more seriously ill and more frequently hospitalized than those receiving all of their services within the plan. The costs to the SSA of providing medical care to HIP enrollees are compared with analogous costs for non-HIP beneficiaries, and the implications for the organization and financing of health services for the aged are discussed.