Costs of Diagnosing Breast-Related Conditions at a Large, Public Hospital in a Middle-Income Country Without Population-Level Screening

Abstract

Abstract 42 Background: Literature regarding the costs and cost-effectiveness of diagnosing breast disease globally, including cancer, has focused on mammographic screening in high-income settings. South Africa, a middle-income country, is currently crafting its first national breast cancer policy, and information on costs and best practices for national imaging services in low- and middle-income settings is required. We undertook this work to estimate the average cost per procedure and per patient for diagnosis of breast conditions by using a large, public outpatient clinic in Johannesburg as well as to explore potential cost savings through rationing mammography for diagnosis. Methods: Results of a retrospective clinical cohort study conducted at an outpatient clinic in 2013 and 2014 were used to establish a 12-month population of clinic patients and diagnostic service statistics. We used microcosting to estimate the average cost for each diagnostic procedure from the health service perspective. An Excel-based model and scenario analysis were used to explore changes in total and per patient costs when mammography use was incrementally reduced by shifting patients to ultrasound-based services. Results: We estimated that 3,867 individuals attended the clinic over 12 months. The average cost per patient for initial consultation and/or exam was $10.14 (2015 USD). Mammography was more costly than ultrasound at $59.96 and $21.11, respectively. Procedures for pathology were the most costly diagnostic (stereotactic core needle biopsy, $330.05; ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, $279.42; fine needle aspiration, $101.00) because of substantial laboratory charges. The average cost per patient seen was $115.96. Hypothetically, replacing mammography with ultrasound resulted in minimal decreases in the average cost per patient as a result of the high cost of the mammogram machine. Cost savings at the facility level may be achieved when mammography use is eliminated entirely. Conclusion: Per patient mammography costs are largely dependent on economies of scale. Because ultrasound can be considered as an alternative for many women without compromising imaging in nonoccult disease, diagnostic mammography should be offered in centralized locations for maximum efficiency gains. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Naomi Lince-Deroche No relationship to disclose Craig Van Rensburg No relationship to disclose Cindy Firnhaber Research Funding: Merck (Inst) Carol Benn No relationship to disclose Grace Rubin No relationship to disclose Pam Michelow No relationship to disclose Sarah Rayne Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Novartis