The financial contribution of the multiple sclerosis specialist
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Abstract
Purpose of review: To examine the financial effect of the multiple sclerosis (MS) specialist on the academic health center (AHC).
Recent findings: Using data derived from an academic MS center with respect to patient numbers and practice pattern regarding diagnostic studies and disease-modifying therapies (DMT) coupled with reasonable assumptions regarding the profit margin for tests and treatments, 1 full-time MS specialist (1 clinical full-time equivalent [cFTE]) may annually generate downstream revenue exceeding $8,000,000. If all diagnostic studies and therapies were obtained at the facility, the potential revenue generated for the facility can exceed $25,000,000 per 1 cFTE. These calculations do not include the professional net revenue generated by referrals to other professionals.
Summary: With current models of reimbursement for health care, the MS specialist provides an enormous potential source of revenue for the AHC. This information is critically important in obtaining institutional support for the provision of labor-intensive MS care.
Footnotes
Funding information and disclosures are provided at the end of the article. Full disclosure form information provided by the author is available with the full text of this article at Neurology.org/cp.
Supplemental data at Neurology.org/cp
- Received December 3, 2016.
- Accepted February 8, 2017.
- © 2017 American Academy of Neurology
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The Nerve!: Rapid online correspondence
- LETTER #1 RE: The financial contribution of the multiple sclerosis specialist
- James N Goldenberg, MD, Medical Specialists of the Palm Beaches, Atlantis, FLjgoldenb@ymail.com
Submitted August 16, 2017 - LETTER #2 RE: The financial contribution of the multiple sclerosis specialist
- Josh Torgovnick, MD, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NYdrjosh49@msn.com
Submitted August 16, 2017 - AUTHOR RESPONSE: The financial contribution of the multiple sclerosis specialist
- Joseph R. Berger, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphiajoseph.berger@uphs.upenn.edu
Submitted August 16, 2017
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