Cost-driving Factors Research Articles

Economic Burden of Huntington’s Disease in China: Results from a National-Wide Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) poses a significant socio-economic burden globally. Existing research on HD’s economic burden predominantly comes from Western settings, leaving a gap in data from Asian countries. This study aimed to assess the economic burden of HD in China and identify cost-driving factors. Methods: This study used data from a 2019 nationwide cross-sectional survey of individuals affected by rare diseases in China. Data included socio-demographic characteristics, income, disease stage, health and social insurance coverage status, treatment-seeking behaviour, and costs. Logistic regression and linear regression were used to explore potential contributors to treatment-seeking behaviour and associated costs. Results: Of the 269 individuals with HD included in this study, 80.6% were actively seeking treatment. The average annual direct medical cost, direct non-medical cost, and indirect cost were 3,265.65, 805.82, and 801.97 Euros, respectively. Compared to participants with early-stage HD, those with middle- or advanced-stage HD reported higher direct medical costs (coefficient 1,612.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [141.92, 3,083.48] and 2,398.58, 95% CI: [791.16, 4,006.00], respectively). However, the disease stage was not significantly associated with direct non-medical costs or indirect costs. Conclusions: This study provides crucial insights into the economic burden of HD in China. It emphasises a need for targeted policies that better cater to the financial needs of HD patients.

411 The Cost of a Single Sport-Related Concussion in Adolescent Athletes

INTRODUCTION: Despite the ubiquity of sport-related concussions (SRC), the healthcare costs incurred by a single SRC are unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining concussed athletes ages 12-23 who presented to a multi-disciplinary concussion center between 11/2017-10/2020. Athletes presenting for treatment more than 10 days post-injury and those sustaining >1 concussion during the study period were excluded. The primary outcome was the direct cost of the concussion care episode, derived by matching visit and imaging dates with institution inflation-adjusted cost data. A multivariable linear regression examined predictors of total concussion care costs. Independent variables included relevant demographics, medical/family medical history, injury characteristics, and initial Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score. RESULTS: In total, 710 athletes were included. Median age was 16.1 years (IQR = 15.1-17.2; 66.5% male). Median initial PCSS was 26 (IQR = 6-39). Sports with the highest prevalence of SRC were football (n = 261, 36.8%), soccer (n = 102, 14.4%) and basketball (n = 97, 13.7%). The mean cost of an SRC care episode was $822 (SD = $1,233). The mean costs associated with a softball-related concussion were highest (M = $2,372, SD = $4,707), followed by basketball (M = $1,012 SD = $1,863), lacrosse (M = $924, SD = $1,101), and football (M = $814, SD = $993). A multivariable linear regression showed that higher initial PCSS (b = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.32-8.42, p = .007), number of prior concussions (b = 118.79, 95% CI = 42.71-194.88, p = .002), and having an emergency department/urgent care visit (b = 670.20, 95% CI = 497.66-842.74) were significant predictors of greater cost. CONCLUSIONS: With a mean value of $822 per SRC, healthcare costs associated with this common injury total over $3 billion annually in the U.S. Greater costs were associated with higher initial symptom burden, prior concussion history, and emergency department/urgent care utilization. A nuanced understanding of cost-driving factors associated with SRC is a prerequisite to understanding cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment.

Trends and drivers of pharmaceutical expenditures from systemic anti-cancer therapy.

Expenditures on medicine for systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) have seen large increases in recent years. The characterization of patients with high SACT costs is crucial to identify cost-driving factors, but little is known about the distribution of expenditures at the patient-level. We priced 260,834 registrations of SACT for 12,589 patients from 2008 to 2019 by combining them with product-level billings of EUR 142.1 million. Based on this, we defined high-cost patients as the 2.5% most expensive by accumulated SACT expenditures. We found that high-cost patients accounted for 28.8% of the total SACT expenditures and were observed across all major cancer groups except for pancreatic cancer. The risk of becoming a high-cost patient was increased for younger age groups, i.e., 18-44 and 45-64years, for patients with BMI ≥ 25, and for patients with multiple cancer diagnoses, while no alteration of risk was observed due to comorbidities or sex. Changes in the characteristics of high-cost patients during the study period were found with an increased risk of becoming high-cost in later years for elderly patients and patients with lung cancer and a decreased risk for breast cancer patients.

Costs and cost-driving factors of acute treatment of status epilepticus in children and adolescents: A cohort study from Germany.

To provide data on inpatient costs and cost-driving factors in children and adolescents due to non-refractory (NSE), refractory (RSE), and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). All children and adolescents treated for status epilepticus (SE) between 2011 and 2018 at the Frankfurt University Hospital were analyzed for health care utilization. We evaluated 223 admissions in 174 patients (6.8±5.1 years, median 5.5 years, range 0.1-17.5 years, 109 males [62.6%]) treated for SE. Mean costs of hospital treatment were €5,711 (median €2,330, range=€654-€102,414) per patient per admission, with a mean length of stay (LOS) of 9.2 days (median 5.0, range=1-101), resulting in mean costs of €621 per SE treatment day. Course of SE had a significant impact on the mean costs, which were €3,386 in NSE (median €2,139, range €654-€38,236, €529 per treatment day; 37% of total inpatient costs due to SE), €7,409 in RSE (median €2,772, range €700-€38,236; €612 per treatment day, 38% of total inpatient costs due to SE) and €17,436 in SRSE (median €6,911, range €2,138-102,414; €842 per treatment day, 25% of total inpatient costs due to SE). Independent cost-driving factors were three or more treatment steps, acute-symptomatic etiology, and unfavorable modified Rankin Scale score at admission. Increased LOS was predicted by three or more treatment steps and unfavorable modified Rankin Scale score at admission. Overall mortality at discharge was 1.3% (three patients). Acute treatment of SE, and particularly RSE and SRSE, is associated with high hospital costs and prolonged LOS. Patients with disabilities are at risk for an unfavorable course of SE, resulting in prolonged LOS. In general, mortality associated with SE is low in children and adolescents, however three or more treatment steps are associated with high treatment costs.

Multicenter, cross-sectional study of the costs of illness and cost-driving factors in adult patients with epilepsy.

This study was undertaken to quantify epilepsy-related costs of illness (COI) in Germany and identify cost-driving factors. COI were calculated among adults with epilepsy of different etiologies and severities. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine any epilepsy-related and sociodemographic factors that serve as cost-driving factors. In total, 486 patients were included, with a mean age of 40.5±15.5years (range = 18-83years, 58.2% women). Mean 3-month COI were estimated at €4911, €2782, and €2598 for focal, genetic generalized, and unclassified epilepsy, respectively. The mean COI for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE; €7850) were higher than those for patients with non-DRE (€4720), patients with occasional seizures (€3596), or patients with seizures in remission for >1 year (€2409). Identified cost-driving factors for total COI included relevant disability (unstandardized regression coefficient b = €2218), poorer education (b = €2114), living alone (b = €2612), DRE (b = €1831), and frequent seizures (b = €2385). Younger age groups of 18-24years (b = -€2945) and 25-34years (b = -€1418) were found to have lower overall expenditures. A relevant disability (b = €441), DRE (b = €1253), frequent seizures (b = €735), and the need for specialized daycare (b = €749) were associated with higher direct COI, and poorer education (b = €1969), living alone (b = €2612), the presence of a relevant disability (b = €1809), DRE (b = €1831), and frequent seizures (b = €2385) were associated with higher indirect COI. This analysis provides up-to-date COI data for use in further health economics analyses, highlighting the high economic impacts associated with disease severity, disability, and disease-related loss of productivity among adult patients with epilepsy. The identified cost drivers could be used as therapeutic and socioeconomic targets for future cost-containment strategies.

Digital Therapeutic Care Apps With Decision-Support Interventions for People With Low Back Pain in Germany: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

BackgroundDigital therapeutic care apps provide a new effective and scalable approach for people with nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Digital therapeutic care apps are also driven by personalized decision-support interventions that support the user in self-managing LBP, and may induce prolonged behavior change to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain episodes. However, these therapeutic apps are associated with high attrition rates, and the initial prescription cost is higher than that of face-to-face physiotherapy. In Germany, digital therapeutic care apps are now being reimbursed by statutory health insurance; however, price targets and cost-driving factors for the formation of the reimbursement rate remain unexplored.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a digital therapeutic care app compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in Germany. We further aimed to explore under which circumstances the reimbursement rate could be modified to consider value-based pricing.MethodsWe developed a state-transition Markov model based on a best-practice analysis of prior LBP-related decision-analytic models, and evaluated the cost utility of a digital therapeutic care app compared to TAU in Germany. Based on a 3-year time horizon, we simulated the incremental cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for people with nonacute LBP from the societal perspective. In the deterministic sensitivity and scenario analyses, we focused on diverging attrition rates and app cost to assess our model’s robustness and conditions for changing the reimbursement rate. All costs are reported in Euro (€1=US $1.12).ResultsOur base case results indicated that the digital therapeutic care strategy led to an incremental cost of €121.59, but also generated 0.0221 additional QALYs compared to the TAU strategy, with an estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €5486 per QALY. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the reimbursement rate and the capability of digital therapeutic care to prevent reoccurring LBP episodes have a significant impact on the ICER. At the same time, the other parameters remained unaffected and thus supported the robustness of our model. In the scenario analysis, the different model time horizons and attrition rates strongly influenced the economic outcome. Reducing the cost of the app to €99 per 3 months or decreasing the app’s attrition rate resulted in digital therapeutic care being significantly less costly with more generated QALYs, and is thus considered to be the dominant strategy over TAU.ConclusionsThe current reimbursement rate for a digital therapeutic care app in the statutory health insurance can be considered a cost-effective measure compared to TAU. The app’s attrition rate and effect on the patient’s prolonged behavior change essentially influence the settlement of an appropriate reimbursement rate. Future value-based pricing targets should focus on additional outcome parameters besides pain intensity and functional disability by including attrition rates and the app’s long-term effect on quality of life.

СИСТЕМАТИЗАЦІЯ ВИТРАТОУТВОРЮЮЧИХ ЧИННИКІВ ДЛЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ ВИТРАТАМИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА НА ТАКТИЧНОМУ ТА СТРАТЕГІЧНОМУ РІВНЯХ

The article attempts to substantiate the key approaches to the systematization of cost-driving factors from the enterprise cost management perspective (tactical and strategic) and offers a definition to a factor concept. The study presents the existing scientific approaches to the classification of cost drivers as well as an interpretation of cost-driving factors. Groups of structural factors within internal and external environment that affect enterprise costing have been identified along with revealing the character of such influence, i.e. whether they provide a direct indirect effect on the company expenditures. Given the tactical and strategic management objectives, the authors suggest systematization of all cost drivers into two groups. In particular, tactical management covers the following factors: output scale, product range, company cost management methods, qualification of personnel, and depreciation accrual. Within the scope of this study, strategically critical factors are represented by organizational business pattern of production, technology level, lack of brand awareness for domestic products, inflation rate, average salary range, low solvency, high costs for raw materials and energy, high tolls, import dependency, strong market competition, low demand, lack of government support, excessive tax burden, frequent changes in tax legislation, high loan interest rates, unfavourable investment environment, poor networking between domestic enterprises in complementary industries, small share of medium-sized businesses or small business alliances. In addition, in the frameworks of strategic cost management, the study offers to classify the cost drivers into the following groups: economic, market- or tax-based, financial and systemic. Apart from that, the relationship between individual cost-driving factors has been revealed. The findings argue that strategic cost management has a number of limitations associated with certain challenges to attain accuracy in forecasting change in factors for successive periods.

Inpatient medical cost of status epilepticus in children: A national-wide, multicenter study from China

ObjectivesTo describe the inpatient medical cost during hospitalization in children with status epilepticus (SE) and identify factors associated with the cost by a nationwide, multicenter study in China. Materials & methodsWe retrospectively identified pediatric inpatients with SE form Hospital Information System (HIS) of 44 hospitals in 27 provinces in China between 2013 and 2015. Inpatient medical cost and factors associated with the cost were analyzed. ResultsA total of 4041 children diagnosed with SE with inpatient medical cost were enrolled in the present study. The median age at admission was 2.9 (range 0.1–18) years, and 2271 patients were male (56.2%). The median inpatient medical cost of children with SE was $1175.5 (665.1–2320.6). The median inpatient medical cost was $3865.6 (1837.4–8210.4) in children with SRSE and $1048.6 (619.8–1865.4) in those with N-SRSE (p < 0.0001). Children with length of hospital stay (LOS) > 7 showed a much higher inpatient medical cost than those with LOS ≤ 7 day ($2300.7 vs. $767.2, p < 0.0001). Regarding different etiologies, children with acute symptomatic etiology showed the highest median inpatient medical cost of $1681.1 (901.0–3699.6), in which children with central nervous system (CNS) infection reported $2606.0 (1380.0–5016.1) and prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) reported $909.8 (649.3–1322.0). Additionally, children with idiopathic/cryptogenic etiology reported a medical cost of $923.2 (548.9–1534.5). Multiple linear regression analysis of cost-driving factors revealed LOS > 7, examinations, treatment equipment and procedures, and treatment medicines were independently associated with a higher inpatient medical cost (R2 = 60.91). In addition, PFS and idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy etiology were independently associated with a lower cost. ConclusionsSE in children was a cost intensive disease in China with a median inpatient medical cost of $1175.5. LOS, etiology and examinations, treatment equipment and procedures, and treatment medicines were significantly associated with inpatient medical cost.

Direct and indirect costs and cost-driving factors of Tuberous sclerosis complex in children, adolescents, and caregivers: a multicenter cohort study

BackgroundTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a multisystem genetic disorder, affects many organs and systems, characterized by benign growths. This German multicenter study estimated the disease-specific costs and cost-driving factors associated with various organ manifestations in TSC patients.MethodsA validated, three-month, retrospective questionnaire was administered to assess the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, organ manifestations, direct, indirect, out-of-pocket, and nursing care-level costs, completed by caregivers of patients with TSC throughout Germany.ResultsThe caregivers of 184 patients (mean age 9.8 ± 5.3 years, range 0.7–21.8 years) submitted questionnaires. The reported TSC disease manifestations included epilepsy (92%), skin disorders (86%), structural brain disorders (83%), heart and circulatory system disorders (67%), kidney and urinary tract disorders (53%), and psychiatric disorders (51%). Genetic variations in TSC2 were reported in 46% of patients, whereas 14% were reported in TSC1. Mean total direct health care costs were EUR 4949 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) EUR 4088–5863, median EUR 2062] per patient over three months. Medication costs represented the largest direct cost category (54% of total direct costs, mean EUR 2658), with mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors representing the largest share (47%, EUR 2309). The cost of anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) accounted for a mean of only EUR 260 (5%). Inpatient costs (21%, EUR 1027) and ancillary therapy costs (8%, EUR 407) were also important direct cost components. The mean nursing care-level costs were EUR 1163 (95% CI EUR 1027–1314, median EUR 1635) over three months. Total indirect costs totaled a mean of EUR 2813 (95% CI EUR 2221–3394, median EUR 215) for mothers and EUR 372 (95% CI EUR 193–586, median EUR 0) for fathers. Multiple regression analyses revealed polytherapy with two or more ASDs and the use of mTOR inhibitors as independent cost-driving factors of total direct costs. Disability and psychiatric disease were independent cost-driving factors for total indirect costs as well as for nursing care-level costs.ConclusionsThis study revealed substantial direct (including medication), nursing care-level, and indirect costs associated with TSC over three months, highlighting the spectrum of organ manifestations and their treatment needs in the German healthcare setting.Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00016045. Registered 01 March 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016045.

The economic burden of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to comprehensively collect and summarise the current body of knowledge regarding the cost-of-illness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to identify cost-driving factors of the disease and to consider the development of costs over the course of disease. Further, the review sought to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies. A systematic review was performed using the databases MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO. Studies examining the economic burden of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on a patient or national level written in English or German published from the year 2001 onwards were included. Additional searches were conducted. Study characteristics and results were extracted and compared. In summary, 20 studies were included in this review. Most studies investigated costs per patient, amounting to total costs between €9741€ to €114,605. Six studies confirmed a rise in costs with disease progression, peaking close to the death of a patient. National costs for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis varied between €149 million and €1329 million. Most of these studies suggest the economic burden of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to be considerable. However, further research is needed to establish a cost-effective health policy in consideration of disease severities.

Direct and indirect costs and cost-driving factors in adults with tuberous sclerosis complex: a multicenter cohort study and a review of the literature

BackgroundTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a monogenetic, multisystem disorder characterized by benign growths due to TSC1 or TSC2 mutations. This German multicenter study estimated the costs and related cost drivers associated with organ manifestations in adults with TSC.MethodsA validated, three-month, retrospective questionnaire assessed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, organ manifestations, direct, indirect, out-of-pocket (OOP), and nursing care-level costs among adult individuals with TSC throughout Germany from a societal perspective (costing year: 2019).ResultsWe enrolled 192 adults with TSC (mean age: 33.4 ± 12.7 years; range: 18–78 years, 51.6% [n = 99] women). Reported TSC disease manifestations included skin (94.8%) and kidney and urinary tract (74%) disorders, epilepsy (72.9%), structural brain defects (67.2%), psychiatric disorders (50.5%), heart and circulatory system disorders (50.5%), and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (11.5%). TSC1 and TSC2 mutations were reported in 16.7% and 25% of respondents, respectively. Mean direct health care costs totaled EUR 6452 (median EUR 1920; 95% confidence interval [CI] EUR 5533–7422) per patient over three months. Medication costs represented the major direct cost category (77% of total direct costs; mean EUR 4953), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors represented the largest share (68%, EUR 4358). Mean antiseizure drug (ASD) costs were only EUR 415 (6%). Inpatient costs (8%, EUR 518) and outpatient treatment costs (7%; EUR 467) were important further direct cost components. The mean care grade allowance as an approximator of informal nursing care costs was EUR 929 (median EUR 0; 95% CI EUR 780–1083) over three months. Mean indirect costs totaled EUR 3174 (median EUR 0; 95% CI EUR 2503–3840) among working-age individuals (< 67 years in Germany). Multiple regression analyses revealed mTOR inhibitor use and persistent seizures as independent cost-driving factors for total direct costs. Older age and disability were independent cost-driving factors for total indirect costs, whereas epilepsy, psychiatric disease, and disability were independent cost-driving factors for nursing care costs.ConclusionsThis three-month study revealed substantial direct healthcare, indirect healthcare, and medication costs associated with TSC in Germany. This study highlights the spectrum of organ manifestations and their associated treatment needs in the German healthcare setting. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00016045. Registered 01 March 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016045.

The socioeconomic burden of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

BackgroundPromising genetic therapies are being investigated in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). However, the current cost of illness is largely unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed at determining the socioeconomic burden of FSHD.MethodsAdult patients with FSHD from the Dutch FSHD registry were invited to complete a questionnaire on medical consumption, work productivity and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) using the EQ-5D-5L. Associated costs were calculated from a societal perspective. A generalized linear model was fitted to the data to investigate whether level of mobility was related to annual costs of illness.Results172 patients with FSHD completed the questionnaire (response rate 65%). The per-patient annual direct medical costs of FSHD were estimated at €12,077, direct non-medical costs at €9179 and indirect costs at €5066, adding up to a total cost of illness of €26,322 per patient per year. The direct costs of illness were €21,256, approximately five times higher than the mean per-capita health expenditures in the Netherlands. Major cost-driving factors were formal home care and informal care. A decreased level of mobility was associated with higher direct costs of illness. HR-QoL was significantly reduced in patients with FSHD with a median health utility value of 0.63.ConclusionsWe show that FSHD is associated with substantial direct and indirect socioeconomic costs as well as a reduction in HR-QoL. These findings are important for health care decision makers and aids in allocation of research funds and evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of novel therapies.

Costs of Epilepsy in Austria: Unemployment as a primary driving factor

PurposeEpilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, and long-term treatment with antiseizure medication is often central to its management. The costs of antiseizure medication are more evident than other disease-related costs; thus, we assessed the direct and indirect costs of epilepsy focusing on both drug expenditure and other cost-driving factors. MethodsOutpatient records and questionnaires applied in a tertiary epilepsy centre in Vienna were used in this bottom-up cost-of-illness study to evaluate disease duration, age at onset, epilepsy syndrome, seizure frequency, sex, healthcare utilisation, diagnostic evaluations, antiseizure medication, and occupation. Cost data were clustered in a histogram-based data analysis, and multivariate regressions were performed to identify cost drivers. ResultsThe average annual costs of 273 patients amounted to €9,256 ($10,459): €4,486 ($5,069) direct costs and €4,770 ($5,390) indirect costs. A histogram of semi-annual costs revealed distinct groups with low costs (< €2,500 = $2,825) and high costs (> €2,500 = $2,825). Seizure-free patients were clustered in the group with low costs; patients with ongoing seizures appeared more frequently in the group with high costs. Working patients were more often found in the group with low costs, whereas unemployed patients were more prevalent in the group with high costs. The regression analysis confirmed worklessness as the main cost driver. ConclusionNon-productivity and poorly controlled disease with ongoing seizures are associated with higher costs in epilepsy. Providing high-level care and optimal drug treatment that enables patients to remain in work may help reduce the economic burden of epilepsy.

Health Economic Aspects of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Factors Determining First Year In-Hospital Treatment Expenses.

Spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common neurosurgical emergency with a high case fatality rate. The clinical course of SAH generates high health economic expenses. Here we highlight possible cost-driving factors for in-hospital care expenses for the first year. Furthermore, results are compared with ischemic stroke treatment. One hundred and one patients with aneurysmal SAH treated in our hospital from 2007 through 2009 were included. The Hunt and Hess (HH) scale, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale, Fisher Scale, and further outcome-relevant data were recorded. Expenses were calculated using the German fixed case rate classification system consisting of Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) and the Operation and Procedure catalogue (OPS). Overall acute length of stay (LOS) and LOS on the intensive care unit (ICU) were separately evaluated. Expenses were compared with formerly published first-year costs of ischemic stroke. Fifty-four percent of the patients (median age 52 years, 69% females) received coiling and 46% clipping. Acute in-hospital treatment accounted for 82% of total in-hospital expenses, while consequential in-hospital treatment accounted only for 18%. Altogether, the total first-year in-hospital expenses for all patients were as high as €2,650,002, resulting in average SAH in-hospital treatment expenses of €26,238 per patient for the first year. Poor clinical condition on admission and longer stay in ICU are the main cost-driving factors. The impact of the aneurysm treatment method is debatable. Only a poor HH grade and longer ICU stay are independent cost-driving factors. SAH treatment expenses are far higher than treatment costs for ischemic stroke in the literature (€6,731 for first-year inpatient and €3,287 for outpatient treatment). Clinical condition and LOS determine in-hospital expenses after SAH. Aneurysmal SAH prevalently results in a relevant economic impact on the health system exceeding formerly published treatment expenses for ischemic stroke.

The cost of a single concussion in American high school football: a retrospective cohort study.

Aim:The potential financial burden of American football-related concussions (FRC) is unknown. Our objective was to describe the healthcare costs associated with an FRC and determine factors associated with increased costs.Methodology/results:A retrospective cohort study of concussed high school football players presenting between November 2017 and March 2020 was undertaken; 144 male high school football players were included. Total costs were about $115,000, for an average direct healthcare cost of $800.10/concussion. Visiting the emergency department (β = 502.29, 95% CI: 105.79–898.61; p = 0.01), the initial post-concussion symptom scale score (β = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.11–0.66; p = 0.01) and a post-concussion syndrome diagnosis (β = 670.37, 95% CI: 98.96–1241.79; p = 0.02) were each independently associated with total costs.Conclusion:A granular understanding of cost-driving factors associated with FRC is the first step in understanding the cost–effectiveness of prevention and treatment methods.

Inpatient treatment costs, cost-driving factors and potential reimbursement problems due to epileptic seizure-related injuries and fractures

HintergrundDie Analyse krankheitsspezifischer Kosten gewinnt in einem zunehmend ökonomisch ausgerichteten Gesundheitssystem an Relevanz, wobei vor allem chronische Erkrankungen aufgrund der langen Krankheitsdauer sowie häufiger Hospitalisierung und Arztbesuche von besonderem Interesse sind. Epilepsien stellen eine häufige neurologische Erkrankung dar, welche mit paroxysmal auftretenden epileptischen Anfällen und häufig hiermit assoziierten Verletzungen einhergeht und alle Altersgruppen betrifft.ZielZiel der Arbeit ist die Aufarbeitung der stationären Behandlungskosten anfallsbedingter Verletzungen sowie die Analyse hinsichtlich relevanter kostenverursachender Faktoren. Mittels alternativer Kalkulation der Versorgungskosten soll zusätzlich der Frage nach potenziellen Vergütungsproblemen im aktuellen DRG-System („diagnosis related groups“) nachgegangen werden.MethodenGrundlage dieser monozentrischen, retrospektiven Analyse ist der tatsächliche Erlös der stationären Behandlung von 62 Patienten, die zwischen 01/2010 und 01/2018 im Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt aufgrund von Verletzungen im Rahmen epileptischer Anfälle erfolgte. Die Analyse potenzieller kostenverursachender Faktoren bezog sich auf relevante soziodemographische und klinische Aspekte, die alternative Kalkulation der Versorgungskosten wurde mit gängigen gesundheitsökonomischen Methoden durchgeführt.ErgebnisseDer mittlere DRG-Erlös betrug 7408 € (±8993 €, Median 5086 €, Spanne 563–44.519 €), die mittleren kalkulierten Kosten 9423 € (±11.113 €, 5626 €, Spanne 587–49.830 €). Als signifikant kostenverursachender Faktor konnte eine Liegedauer ≥7 Tage (p = 0,014) identifiziert werden. Aufgrund des signifikanten Unterschieds (p < 0,001) zwischen Erlös und kalkulierten Kosten erfolgte eine Analyse nach Faktoren für potenzielle Vergütungsprobleme, welche für eine Aufenthaltsdauer von ≥7 Tagen (p = 0,014) sowie für eine Behandlung auf Intensivstation (p = 0,019) signifikant verblieb.SchlussfolgerungDie stationären Versorgungskosten von Patienten mit Frakturen aufgrund epileptischer Anfälle sind hoch und daher gesundheitsökonomisch relevant. Generell scheint die auf Fallpauschalen basierende Vergütung nach G‑DRG die tatsächlichen Kosten zu decken, bei Patienten mit einer langen Liegedauer oder einen Aufenthalt auf Intensivstation können jedoch Vergütungsprobleme bestehen.

Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in Malaysia: A Longitudinal Study.

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires long-term pharmacological and non-pharmacological management that encompasses continuous economic burden on patients and society, and also results in productivity losses due to compromised quality of life. Among working-age patients, COPD is the 11th leading cause of work productivity loss.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the economic burden of COPD in Malaysia, including direct costs for the management of COPD and indirect costs due to productivity losses for COPD patients.MethodologyOverall, 150 patients with an established diagnosis of COPD were followed-up for a period of 1 year from August 2018 to August 2019. An activity-based costing, ‘bottom-up’ approach was used to calculate direct costs, while indirect costs of patients were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire.ResultsThe mean annual per-patient direct cost for the management of COPD was calculated as US$506.92. The mean annual costs per patient in the management phase, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions were reported as US$395.65, US$86.4, and US$297.79, respectively; 31.66% of COPD patients visited the emergency department and 42.47% of COPD patients were admitted to the hospital due to exacerbation. The annual mean indirect cost per patient was calculated as US$1699.76. Productivity losses at the workplace were reported as 31.87% and activity limitations were reported as 17.42%.ConclusionDrugs and consumables costs were the main cost-driving factors in the management of COPD. The higher ratio of indirect cost to direct medical costs shows that therapeutic interventions aimed to prevent work productivity losses may reduce the economic burden of COPD.

Inpatient treatment costs, cost-driving factors and potential reimbursement problems due to fall-related fractures in patients with Parkinson's disease

In an increasingly economically oriented healthcare system the analysis of disease-specific costs is becoming more and more relevant, especially in chronic diseases with long duration of hospitalization. As afrequent neurodegenerative disease idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) causes high healthcare costs. The pathognomonic affection of mobility and equilibrium often leads to fall-related fractures in the course of the disease, which cause further costs through hospitalization and possibly surgical treatment. The aim of the study was the calculation of inpatient treatment costs of fall-related fractures in IPD as well as the analysis of relevant cost-causing factors. In addition, an alternative calculation of the treatment costs was carried out with the question of potential remuneration problems in the current diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system. The basis of this retrospective, single center analysis was the actual revenue of 95patients treated between January 2011 and January 2018 at the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main. The proceeds were systematically reviewed for relevant demographic, healthcare and disease-related aspects and statistically analyzed for cost-related factors using univariate analysis. The alternative calculation of the treatment costs was carried out according to commonly used health economics methods. The median revenue per patient and injury was 9295 € (±8038 €, median 7148 €) with amean length of stay of 13.5 days (±7.2days, median 13days). The alternative calculation of treatment costs per patient was an average of 9789 € (±6423 €, median 8906 €). High treatment costs were associated with age >75years (p = 0.028), surgical treatment (p = 0.004), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p = 0.004), limb fractures (p = 0.028) and an advanced stage of IPD (p = 0.028). Significant differences between actual revenue and calculated costs were found for hospital stays ≥14days (p = 0.009) and advanced stages of disease (p = 0.036). The costs of care in patients with IPD and fall-related fractures are high and relevant to health economics. In general, remuneration based on the DRG system seems to largely cover the costs; however, compensation problems arise especially for patients with along duration of hospitalization or advanced IPD.

Cost implications of adverse drug event-related emergency department visits – a multicenter study in South Korea

ABSTRACT Background Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) increase health-care resource utilization, including that for emergency department (ED) visits. However, cost analyses of ADRs resulting in ED visits are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the direct medical costs before and after ADR occurrence and analyzed the cost-driving factors. Methods The ADR cases were identified by a retrospective review of medical records of patients who visited the ED of three tertiary hospitals in South Korea from July to December 2014. The direct medical cost was estimated by the difference in costs six months before and after the ED visit. A generalized linear model was used to identify the ADR-associated cost-driving factors. Results The mean cost per ADR increased by 26.1% (±SD = 4.3) during the six-month follow-up compared with that during the six months before the ED visit (p < 0.05). Preventable ADRs accounted for approximately 19.9% of the cost increase among all ADR cases. The regression analysis revealed that ‘ADR-related hospitalization’ was a significant (p < 0.05) factor leading to an increase in the direct medical costs. Conclusion Drug-related ED visits increase the burden on health insurance systems and patients’ out-of-pocket costs, mostly due to the hospitalization costs.

Economic Comparison Between Endovascular Coiling vs Neurosurgical Clipping for Ruptured and Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Austria

Abstract INTRODUCTION Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm poses a significant health hazard due to its high rates of mortality and disability. The 2 most commonly used treatment modalities of intracranial aneurysms are neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Through the decision on which treatment option should be chosen in every case is made based on medical indication, nevertheless, due to high socioeconomic burden of subarachnoid hemorrhage, it is also important to compare the healthcare expenditures, caused by clipping and coiling. METHODS A comparison of treatment costs of clipping, coiling and stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms in Austria was performed. We considered costs of surgery, diagnostic imaging, postoperative in-hospital care, treatment of the complications and initial rehabilitation. Cost-related data was provided by Vienna General Hospital. The length of hospital stay, complications and mortality rates were obtained from previous studies. Based on this information, a decision tree was built. RESULTS Surgery costs of coiling were significantly higher compared to clipping (13.303 98 Euro for Coiling and 24.847 63 Euro for SAC vs 6.835 23 Euro for Clipping). The main cost-driving factors were implants costs. However, clipping caused higher costs of in-hospital stay and initial rehabilitation. Altogether, when considering all in-hospital costs and the cost of rehabilitation treatment, the difference in costs of aneurysm clipping vs coiling was less pronounced. CONCLUSION This study is the first attempt to calculate the costs of aneurysm treatment in Austria. However, the economic comparison is partially based on estimations.