Utilization of Syndromic Vaginitis Diagnostic Testing Reduces 6-Month Follow-Up Outpatient Service Healthcare Costs—A Real-World Data Analysis

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vaginitis is a common infection among women of reproductive age. Although various diagnostic methodologies exist, diagnosis without the utilization of available diagnostic tests remains prevalent. This study aimed to assess downstream healthcare utilization and the cost of patients with and without diagnostic testing. Methods: This retrospective, observational study utilized the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database from July 2020 to October 2023. Patients with an index claim (ICD-10 code indicating vaginitis) were categorized into two cohorts: those who received a syndromic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and those who had no documented test on the index date or within two days. Total and service-specific healthcare resource utilization and costs were assessed for 6 months following the index event. This study was designed to inform how Syndromic Vaginitis PCR testing is used to make treatment decisions and to track outpatient and inpatient healthcare utilization for 6 months post index date represented by cost. Results: Patients who received a Syndromic Vaginitis PCR test had significantly fewer outpatient medical services in the 6 months following initial diagnosis compared to those who received no diagnostic test. This was largely attributed to a substantial decrease in other medical service visits, resulting in mean cost savings of USD 2067 (Syndromic PCR = USD 6675, SD = USD 17,187; No Test = USD 8742, SD = USD 29,894) (p-value 0.0009). Conclusions: Many vaginitis patients do not receive testing, but Syndromic Vaginitis PCR testing may be an effective diagnostic tool for reducing costs associated with vaginitis infections.