Care coordination for children with complex care needs significantly reduces hospital utilization.

Purpose.  The purpose was to evaluate an ambulatory care coordination program for children with complex care needs. Design and Methods.  A pre- and postcohort evaluation design was implemented to analyze the impact on hospital utilization. Results.  Results included a decrease in emergency department presentations (15%, p < .001), hospital admissions (9%, p < .019), and hospital bed days (43%, p < .001). Economic analysis indicated a cost savings of $A1.9 million per annum. Practice Implications.  Hospital utilization is significantly reduced for children with complex care needs through 24/7 care coordination.