Economic analysis of a low-threshold mobile medical unit dispensing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
Shah, Kanya K.; Messmer, Sarah; Elmes-Patel, Abigail; Touchette, Daniel R.
Why this matters
Budgeting a mobile buprenorphine unit means separating what it costs to start from what it costs to run. An analysis of a Chicago unit reported $148,690 in startup costs, $131,040 in annual fixed operating costs, and $85.24 per patient in care costs, with 40 percent of patients saying they would not seek care elsewhere without it.
Abstract
This study measured the implementation, operation, and indirect patient costs of the UIC COIP mobile medical unit. Startup costs were $148,690 including buildout, supplies, and labor. Annual fixed operating costs were $131,040. Variable operating costs included patient care cost of $85.24 per patient. Average transportation time to care site was 35 min, and 40% of individuals would not seek care elsewhere if the mobile unit was not available.