A Cost-Benefit Analysis of A Community Free Clinic

ABSTRACT

Uninsured patients lacking access to primary and preventive care continues to be an issue. The purpose of this analysis is to describe operating costs surrounding a nurse-driven freestanding community clinic and to calculate quality of life benefits using clinically preventable burden scores. A retrospective records review of patients (n = 200) receiving care at a free clinic were used. Annual costs were $387,252. The benefit gained in quality-adjusted life years is estimated to be 57.47–203.94 yielding a return on investment ranging from $1,200,264-$8,948,184. Free clinics have sustained cost savings over time. Policies addressing this form of care are imperative.