The Utilization of Outpatient Laboratory Resources at Ireland Army Community Hospital After Implementation of Tricare

• Main Author: Seeley, Susan
• Format: Others
• Published: TopSCHOLAR® 1999
• Subjects: Medicine and Health Sciences; Public Health
• Online Access: http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/757; http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1760&context=theses

The purpose of this study was to compare out patient laboratory utilization patterns of active duty and retired military personnel and their dependents before and after the implementation of TRICARE. A stratified random sample was taken of patient test results over a two year period resulting in a sample size of 104 observations. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) results were used as indicators for the study. Data was gathered on the patient's rank, active duty/retiree status, age, dependent status, and gender. Additionally, the total number of tests were recorded for the year prior to the introduction of TRICARE and after implementation of TRICARE at Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was determined that there was a dramatic decrease in the utilization patterns of the retiree population. The mean age of the year 2 group was much younger, and changes in enlisted personnel utilization were noted. A decrease in the number of tests performed was also noted. These results are relevant to the Laboratory Director and the Commander of the installation.