When we think of the cost of health care, we usually think of the expense after someone enters the hospital and receives medical care. But how does prevention work for the most prevalent diseases affecting Americans?

Early Prevention Programs

One study demonstrated that the U.S. could save about $16 billion within five years because of early prevention programs. And because of the proposed programs, it is estimated that for every dollar spent, there is a $5.60 return. A great investment were you on Wall Street.  But prevention accounts for only two to three percent of all health care expenditures so even with that great return rate, the effect is nominal.

Let’s look at an example of expenditures for cardiovascular diseases. In 2010, $444 billion was spent on health care for all heart-related illnesses. For prevention of heart events in the same year, $56.2 million was spent to conduct heart disease and stroke prevention.

Do prevention programs work?

A review of cost-effectiveness analyses shows that exercise and diet programs, tobacco control strategies, obesity management plans, diabetes screens, and other initiatives add value or save money over time, according to William Weintraub, MD, of Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del.

Only When You Use Them

Nationally, we Americans use prevention programs at half the rate that is desired. But it was discovered that when you get rid of deductibles and co-pays, women will increase mammogram usage by nine percent. Health advocates have been lobbying for zero co-pays as it increases participation of both men and women in prevention programs.