Mobile clinic in Massachusetts associated with cost savings from lowering blood pressure and emergency department use

Publication: Health Affairs

Mobile clinics have increased in usage but understanding of their impact and cost-effectiveness is still limited. This research examines 5,900 patients who visited The Family Van from 2010-2012 and the impact on blood pressure of the screenings and counseling provided by the clinic. Patients who presented with high blood pressure during their initial visited experienced reductions in blood pressure in their follow-up visits. Additionally, these changes in blood pressure were associated with reductions in risk of myocardial infarction and stroke—reductions which the authors converted into savings estimates and a return of investment of 1:3 for the clinic. Policy makers would benefit from exploring mobile clinics as delivery models for underserved communities.