Costs, services at Douglas County Health Center to be studied

The Douglas County Health Center is the subject of a study on costs and efficiency.

Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $311,000 study to be conducted by Health Management Associates. Board Chairman Marc Kraft says costs continue to rise at the Health Center, mostly due to medications for mentally ill patients. He says the cost of care is also up.

Kraft says Health Management Associates’ review will be comprehensive, looking at the purchase of medications, staff, salaries, and care. The Douglas County Health Center provides assisted living and long-term care to up to 275 people.

The study is expected to take four months.