Is it better to build what you need or to buy it from someone else? “MvB” is military shorthand for deciding the best way to obtain certain products or services, including health care services. These questions are particularly relevant for the new, leaner military.

Altarum Institute analysts and developers have created a tool to help make vs. buy decisions easier. Altarum’s MvB tool analyzes the full costs of a military health provider position – including salary; fringe benefits; incentive, retention, and specialty pays and training costs – and weighs them against the costs of a comparable Civil Service position or the cost of purchasing those services from civilian doctors. Medical specialties and regional differences are taken into consideration. The tool is currently being applied by the U.S. Navy and by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Health Affairs.