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Vestergaard AHS, Ehlers LH, Neergaard MA, Christiansen CF, Valentin JB, Johnsen SP. Healthcare Costs at the End of Life for Patients with Non-cancer Diseases and Cancer in Denmark. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2023; 7:751-764. [PMID: 37552432 PMCID: PMC10471564 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-023-00430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine costs of care from a healthcare sector perspective within 1 year before death in patients with non-cancer diseases and patients with cancer. METHODS This nationwide registry-based study identified all Danish citizens dying from major non-cancer diseases or cancer in 2010-2016. Applying the cost-of-illness method, we included costs of somatic hospitals, including hospital-based specialist palliative care, primary care, prescription medicine and hospice expressed in 2022 euros. Costs of patients with non-cancer diseases and cancer were compared using regression analyses adjusting for sex, age, comorbidity, residential region, marital/cohabitation status and income level. RESULTS Within 1 year before death, mean total healthcare costs were €27,185 [95% confidence interval (CI) €26,970-27,401] per patient with non-cancer disease (n = 109,723) and €51,348 (95% CI €51,098-51,597) per patient with cancer (n = 108,889). The adjusted relative total healthcare costs, i.e. the ratio of the mean costs, of patients with non-cancer diseases was 0.64 (95% CI 0.63-0.66) at 12 months before death and 0.91 (95% CI 0.90-0.92) within 30 days before death compared with patients with cancer. Mean costs of hospital-based specialist palliative care and hospice in the year leading up to death were €17 (95% CI €13-20) and €90 (95% CI €77-102) per patient with non-cancer disease but €1552 (95% CI €1506-1598) and €3411 (95% CI €3342-3480) per patient with cancer. CONCLUSIONS Within 1 year before death, total healthcare costs, mainly driven by hospital costs, were substantially lower for patients with non-cancer diseases compared with patients with cancer. Moreover, the costs of hospital-based specialist palliative care and hospice were minimal for patients with non-cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Høy Seemann Vestergaard
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Lars Holger Ehlers
- Danish Center for Healthcare Improvements, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg Ø, Denmark
- Nordic Institute of Health Economics, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Asbjoern Neergaard
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christian Fynbo Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jan Brink Valentin
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Søren Paaske Johnsen
- Danish Center for Healthcare Improvements, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg Ø, Denmark
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg Ø, Denmark
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Jo M, Lee Y, Kim T. Medical care costs at the end of life among older adults with cancer: a national health insurance data-based cohort study. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:76. [PMID: 37349710 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Along with aging, the elderly population with cancers is increasing. The costs of end-of-life (EOL) care are particularly high among cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends in medical costs in the last year of life among older adults with cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Services (HIRA) database for the period 2016-2019, we identified older adults aged ≥ 65 years who had a primary diagnosis of cancers and high-intensity treatment at least once in the intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary hospitals. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES High-intensity treatment was defined as receiving at least one of the following treatments: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, hemodialysis, and transfusion. The EOL medical treatment costs were calculated by dividing periods 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months from the time of death, respectively. RESULTS The mean total EOL medical expense per older adult during the year before death was $33,712. The cost of EOL medical expenses for three months and one month before subjects' death accounted for 62.6% ($21,117) and 33.8% ($11,389) of total EOL costs, respectively. Among subjects who died while receiving high-intensity treatment in the ICU, the costs associated with medical treatments that occurred during the last month before death were 42.4% ($13,841) of the total EOL expenses during the year. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that EOL care expenditures for the older population with cancer are highly concentrated until the last month. The intensity of medical care is an important and challenging issue in terms of care quality and cost suitability. Efforts are needed to properly use medical resources and provide optimal EOL care for older adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjeong Jo
- Research Institute for Hospice/Palliative Care, College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunji Lee
- College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Taehwa Kim
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Transplant Research Center, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Geumo-ro 20, Beomeo-ri, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 50612, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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Balasubramanian I, Finkelstein E, Malhotra R, Ozdemir S, Malhotra C. Healthcare Cost Trajectories in the Last 2 Years of Life Among Patients With a Solid Metastatic Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:997-1004.e3. [PMID: 36075386 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2022.7038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies describe the "average healthcare cost trend" among patients with cancer. We aimed to delineate heterogeneous trajectories of healthcare cost during the last 2 years of life of patients with a metastatic cancer and to assess the associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and healthcare use. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed a sample of 353 deceased patients from a cohort of 600 with a solid metastatic cancer in Singapore, and we used group-based trajectory modeling to identify trajectories of total healthcare cost during the last 2 years of life. RESULTS The average cost trend showed that mean monthly healthcare cost increased from SGD $3,997 during the last 2 years of life to SGD $7,516 during the last month of life (USD $1 = SGD $1.35). Group-based trajectory modeling identified 4 distinct trajectories: (1) low and steadily decreasing cost (13%); (2) steeply increasing cost in the last year of life (14%); (3) high and steadily increasing cost (57%); and (4) steeply increasing cost before the last year of life (16%). Compared with the low and steadily decreasing cost trajectory, patients with private health insurance (β [SE], 0.75 [0.37]; P=.04) and a greater preference for life extension (β [SE], -0.14 [0.07]; P=.06) were more likely to follow the high and steadily increasing cost trajectory. Patients in the low and steadily decreasing cost trajectory were most likely to have used palliative care (62%) and to die in a hospice (27%), whereas those in the steeply increasing cost before the last year of life trajectory were least likely to have used palliative care (14%) and most likely to die in a hospital (75%). CONCLUSIONS The study quantifies healthcare cost and shows the variability in healthcare cost trajectories during the last 2 years of life. Policymakers, clinicians, patients, and families can use this information to better anticipate, budget, and manage healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Finkelstein
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care.,Program in Health Services and Systems Research, and
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, and.,Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Semra Ozdemir
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care.,Program in Health Services and Systems Research, and
| | - Chetna Malhotra
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care.,Program in Health Services and Systems Research, and
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Han KT, Kim W, Kim S. Disparities in healthcare expenditures according to economic status in cancer patients undergoing end-of-life care. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:303. [PMID: 35317774 PMCID: PMC8939210 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09373-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds A desire for better outcome influences cancer patients’ willingness to pay. Whilst cancer-related costs are known to have a u-shaped distribution, the actual level of healthcare utilized by patients may vary depending on income and ability to pay. This study examined patterns of healthcare expenditures in the last year of life in patients with gastric, colorectal, lung, and liver cancer and analyzed whether differences exist in the level of end-of-life costs for cancer care according to economic status. Methods This study is a retrospective cohort study which used data from the Korean National Elderly Sampled Cohort, 2002 to 2015. End-of-life was defined as 1 year before death. Economic status was classified into three categorical variables according to the level of insurance premium (quantiles). The relationship between the dependent and independent variables were analyzed using multiple gamma regression based on the generalized estimated equation (GEE) model. Results This study included 3083 cancer patients, in which total healthcare expenditure was highest in the high-income group. End-of-life costs increased the most in the last 3 months of life. Compared to individuals in the ‘middle’ economic status group, those in the ‘high’ economic status group (RR 1.095, 95% CI 1.044–1.149) were likely to spend higher amounts. The percentage of individuals visiting a general hospital was highest in the ‘high’ economic status group, followed by the ‘middle’ and ‘low’ economic status groups. Conclusion Healthcare costs for cancer care increased at end-of-life in Korea. Patients of higher economic status tended to spender higher amounts of end-of-life costs for cancer care. Further in-depth studies are needed considering that end-of-life medical costs constitute a large proportion of overall expenditures. This study offers insight by showing that expenditures for cancer care tend to increase noticeably in the last 3 months of life and that differences exist in the amount spent according economic status. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09373-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Tae Han
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Woorim Kim
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungju Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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Romsa J, Imhoff RJ, Palli SR, Inculet R, Mehta S. SPECT/CT versus planar imaging to determine treatment strategy for non-small-cell lung cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis. J Comp Eff Res 2022; 11:229-241. [PMID: 35006007 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2021-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: SPECT/CT has been found to improve predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (ppoFEV1) assessments in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: An economic simulation was developed comparing the cost-effectiveness of SPECT/CT versus planar scintigraphy for a US payer. Clinical outcomes and cost data were obtained through review of the published literature. Results: SPECT/CT increased the accuracy ppoFEV1 assessment, changing the therapeutic decision for 1.3% of nonsurgical patients to a surgical option, while 3.3% of surgical patients shifted to more aggressive procedures. SPECT/CT led to an expected cost of $4694 per life year gained, well below typical thresholds. Conclusion: SPECT/CT resulted in substantially improved health outcomes and was found to be highly cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Romsa
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Ryan J Imhoff
- CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services, 100 E. RiverCenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011, USA
| | - Swetha R Palli
- CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services, 100 E. RiverCenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011, USA
| | - Richard Inculet
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Western Ontario, 268 Grosvenor Street, St. Joseph's Hospital Rm. E3-117, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Sanjay Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Respirology Division, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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Kaur P, Wu HY, Hum A, Heng BH, Tan WS. Medical cost of advanced illnesses in the last-year of life-retrospective database study. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6406695. [PMID: 34673931 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to quantify medical care utilisation, and to describe the cost trajectories of individuals with advanced illnesses in the last-year of life, differentiated by advanced cancer, end-stage organ failure and progressive neurological disorders. METHODS This retrospective database study included decedents who had previous inpatient or outpatient encounters at a public hospital in Singapore. Patients with advanced diseases were identified based on diagnostic codes and clinical criteria. Using a look-back approach, the amount of healthcare services utilised and the corresponding mean monthly and annual costs to the healthcare system in the last 12-months of life were quantified. RESULTS The last 12-months of life among 6,598 decedents was associated with £20,524 (95% confidence interval: £20,013-£21,036) in medical costs, of which 80% was accounted for by inpatient admissions. Costs increased sharply in the last 2-months of life, with a large proportion of monthly costs accounted for by inpatient admissions which rose rapidly from 61% at 12-months prior to death to 94% in the last-month of life. Compared to patients with cancer, individuals diagnosed with non-cancer advanced illnesses accumulated 1.6 times more healthcare costs in the last-year of life with significant differences across patients with end-stage organ failure and progressive neurological disorders. CONCLUSION Healthcare costs varied across disease conditions at the end-of-life. With advance care planning and close collaboration between the inpatient clinical team and the community providers, it may be possible to re-direct some of the hospitalisation costs to community-based palliative care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palvinder Kaur
- Health Services and Outcomes Research Department, National Healthcare Group, Singapore 138543
| | - Huei Yaw Wu
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Singapore, Singapore 308433
- Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore 308436
| | - Allyn Hum
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Singapore, Singapore 308433
- Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore 308436
| | - Bee Hoon Heng
- Health Services and Outcomes Research Department, National Healthcare Group, Singapore 138543
| | - Woan Shin Tan
- Health Services and Outcomes Research Department, National Healthcare Group, Singapore 138543
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Cho JY, Kwon SH, Lee EK, Lee JH, Kim HL. Cost-Effectiveness of Adjuvant Immunotherapy With Cytokine-Induced Killer Cell for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on a Randomized Controlled Trial and Real-World Data. Front Oncol 2021; 11:728740. [PMID: 34926248 PMCID: PMC8682810 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.728740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world data (RWD) have suggested that adjuvant cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy after curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prolongs recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the cost-effectiveness of CIK cell immunotherapy as an adjuvant therapy for HCC compared to no adjuvant therapy is uncertain. METHODS We constructed a partitioned survival model to compare the expected costs, life-year (LY), and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of a hypothetical population of 10,000 patients between CIK cell immunotherapy and no adjuvant therapy groups. Patients with HCC aged 55 years who underwent a potentially curative treatment were simulated with the model over a 20-year time horizon, from a healthcare system perspective. To model the effectiveness, we used OS and RFS data from RCTs and RWD. We estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and performed extensive sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Based on the RCT data, the CIK cell immunotherapy incrementally incurred a cost of $61,813, 2.07 LYs, and 1.87 QALYs per patient compared to no adjuvant therapy, and the estimated ICER was $33,077/QALY. Being less than the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY, CIK cell immunotherapy was cost-effective. Using the RWD, the ICER was estimated as $25,107/QALY, which is lower than that obtained using RCT. The time horizon and cost of productivity loss were the most influential factors on the ICER. CONCLUSION We showed that receiving adjuvant CIK cell immunotherapy was more cost-effective than no adjuvant therapy in patients with HCC who underwent a potentially curative treatment, attributed to prolonged survival, reduced recurrence of HCC, and better prognosis of recurrence. Receiving CIK cell immunotherapy may be more cost-effective in real-world clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Yeon Cho
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sun-Hong Kwon
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Eui-Kyung Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye-Lin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea
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Shirane S, Michihata N, Yoshiuchi K, Ariyoshi K, Iwase S, Morita K, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H. Evaluation of quality indicators near death in older adult cancer decedents in Japan: A nationwide retrospective cohort study. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2021; 51:1643-1648. [PMID: 34530454 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES End-of-life cancer care is important; however, data on hospitalization and costs for older patients have been lacking. We aimed to examine quality indicators and costs for older patients in Japan. METHODS Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, a national database of acute-care hospitals in Japan, we retrospectively collected data on cancer decedents aged ≥65 years. We evaluated the quality indicators (hospitalizations, length of stay in the hospital, emergency hospitalizations, emergency hospitalizations using an ambulance, intensive care unit [ICU] admissions, length of stay in the ICU, interval between last chemotherapy use and death, and chemotherapy within 14 days before death) and hospitalization costs at 30, 90 and 180 days before death. We compared the outcomes across age groups (65-74, 75-84 and ≥ 85 years). RESULTS Between January 2011 and March 2015, we identified 369 616 cancer decedents. From 180 to 30 days before death, there were increases in emergency hospitalizations, emergency hospitalizations using an ambulance, and the mean costs per hospital day. Overall, 16.7% of patients receiving chemotherapy last received this treatment on the day before death or the day of death. Costs decreased with increasing age. The group aged ≥85 years had the shortest hospital and ICU stays and the lowest multiple hospitalizations, ICU admissions, chemotherapy within 14 days before death, and costs. CONCLUSIONS Many older adult patients had emergency hospitalizations and received chemotherapy just prior to death, and there is room for improvement in appropriate end-of-life care. Oldest old patients consumed relatively few medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachie Shirane
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Michihata
- Department of Health Services Research, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ariyoshi
- Department of Data Management, Japanese Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Data Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Iwase
- Department of Emergency and Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kojiro Morita
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Tanguy-Melac A, Verboux D, Pestel L, Fagot-Campagna A, Tuppin P, Gastaldi-Ménager C. Evolution of health care utilization and expenditure during the year before death in 2015 among people with cancer: French snds-based cohort study. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2021; 22:1039-1052. [PMID: 34100171 PMCID: PMC8318964 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-021-01304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients have one of the highest health care expenditures (HCE) at the end of life. However, the growth of HCE at the end of life remains poorly documented in the literature. OBJECTIVE To describe monthly reimbursed expenditure during the last year of life among cancer patients, by performing detailed analysis according to type of expenditure and the person's age. METHOD Data were derived from the Système national des données en santé (SNDS) [national health data system], which comprises information on ambulatory and hospital care. Analyses focused on general scheme beneficiaries (77% of the French population) treated for cancer who died in 2015. RESULTS Average reimbursed expenditure during the last year of life was €34,300 per person in 2015, including €21,100 (62%) for hospital expenditure. "Short-stays hospital" and "rehabilitation units" stays expenditure were €14,700 and €2000, respectively. Monthly expenditure increased regularly towards the end of life, increasing from 12 months before death €2000 to €5200 1 month before death. The highest levels of expenditure did not concern the oldest people, as average reimbursed expenditure was €50,300 for people 18-59 years versus €25,600 for people 80-90 years. Out-of-pocket payments varied only slightly according to age, but increased towards the end of life. CONCLUSION A marked growth of HCE was observed during the last 4 months of life, mainly driven by hospital expenditure, with a more marked growth for younger people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Tanguy-Melac
- Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) , 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Dorian Verboux
- Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) , 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020, Paris, France.
| | - Laurence Pestel
- Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) , 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Anne Fagot-Campagna
- Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) , 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Tuppin
- Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) , 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Gastaldi-Ménager
- Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) , 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020, Paris, France
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Ortiz-Ortiz KJ, Tortolero-Luna G, Torres-Cintrón CR, Zavala-Zegarra DE, Gierbolini-Bermúdez A, Ramos-Fernández MR. High-Intensity End-of-Life Care Among Patients With GI Cancer in Puerto Rico: A Population-Based Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e168-e177. [PMID: 33567240 PMCID: PMC8202061 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
High-intensity care with undue suffering among patients with cancer at the end of life (EoL) is associated with poor quality of life. We examined the pattern and predictors of high-intensity care among patients with GI cancer in Puerto Rico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Ortiz-Ortiz
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Department of Health Services Administration, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Guillermo Tortolero-Luna
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Carlos R Torres-Cintrón
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Diego E Zavala-Zegarra
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Axel Gierbolini-Bermúdez
- Department of Social Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - María R Ramos-Fernández
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Hoover S, Subramanian S, Sabatino SA, Khushalani JS, Tangka FKL. Late-Stage Diagnosis and Cost of Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Two State Medicaid Programs. JOURNAL OF REGISTRY MANAGEMENT 2021; 48:20-27. [PMID: 34170892 PMCID: PMC10846594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To assess timing of Medicaid enrollment with late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and estimate treatment costs by stage at diagnosis. METHODS We analyzed 2000-2009 California and Texas Medicaid data linked with cancer registry data. We assessed the association of Medicaid enrollment timing with late-stage colorectal cancer and estimated total and incremental 6-month treatment costs to Medicaid by stage using a noncancer comparison group matched on age group and sex. RESULTS Compared with Medicaid enrollment before diagnosis, enrolling after diagnosis was associated with late-stage diagnosis. Incremental per-person treatment costs were $31,063, $39,834, and $47,161 for localized, regional, and distant stage in California, respectively; and $28,701, $38,212, and $49,634 in Texas, respectively. DISCUSSION In California and Texas, Medicaid enrollment after CRC diagnosis was associated with later-stage disease and higher treatment costs. Facilitating timely and continuous Medicaid enrollment may lead to earlier stage at diagnosis, reduced costs, and improved outcomes.
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Sullivan CB, Al-Qurayshi Z, Chang K, Pagedar NA. Analysis of palliative care treatment among head and neck patients with cancer: National perspective. Head Neck 2020; 43:805-815. [PMID: 33151575 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze the characteristics and survival patterns of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who received palliative treatment during their first course of treatment. METHODS Cohort analysis utilizing the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) of patients with a diagnosis of oral cavity/oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal SCC. Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression and Cox Hazard ratio modeling, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS 165 081 patients were included, of which 2747 patients received palliative treatment. Patients who received palliative treatment tended to be ≥65 years old, black, Charlson/Deyo score ≥3, hypopharyngeal cancer, stage (III-IV), with Medicaid insurance (P < .05). Patients were more likely to be treated with palliative intent if they underwent chemotherapy/radiotherapy and declined surgery (P < .001) compared to patients who underwent surgery and declined chemotherapy/radiotherapy (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS Palliative care use in head and neck oncology is associated with older patients, non-whites, Medicaid patients, and nonsurgically treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Blake Sullivan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Zaid Al-Qurayshi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kristi Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Nitin A Pagedar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Benson KR, Aggarwal S, Carter JN, von Eyben R, Pradhan P, Prionas ND, Bui JL, Soltys SG, Hancock S, Gensheimer MF, Koong AC, Chang DT. Predicting Survival for Patients With Metastatic Disease. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 106:52-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Waddle MR, Kaleem TA, Stross WC, Malouff TD, White L, Li Z, Naessens J, Spaulding A, Aljabri D, Ma DJ, Keole S, Miller RC. Identifying the Most Costly Patients in Radiation Oncology and Predicting the Top Spenders. J Oncol Pract 2019; 15:e704-e716. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.18.00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: Quality payment programs aim to adjust payments on the basis of quality and cost; however, few quality metrics exist in radiation oncology. This study evaluates and predicts the top spenders (TS) after radiation therapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient characteristics, cancer details, treatments, toxicity, and survival data were collected for patients treated with RT at Mayo Clinic from 2007 to 2016. Standardized costs were obtained and adjusted for inflation. TSs were identified as those with greater than 93rd percentile costs (≥ $120,812). Prediction models were developed to predict TSs using training and validation sets using information available at consultation, after RT, and at last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 15,131 patients were included and 1,065 TSs identified. Mean cost overall was $55,290 (median, $39,996) for all patients. Prediction models 1, 2, and 3 had concordance statistics of 0.83 to 0.83, 0.85 to 0.85, and 0.87 to 0.88, respectively in training and validation, indicating excellent prediction of TSs. Factors that were most predictive of TSs included stage N/A and stage 4 ( v stage 0; odds ratio [OR], 18.23 and 8.44, respectively; P < .001); hematologic, upper GI, skin and lung cancers ( v breast; OR, 11.45, 7.69, 3.81, and 2.43, respectively; P < .01); immunotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy use (OR, 4.36, 2.51, and 1.61, respectively; P < .01); hospitalizations within 90 days of RT (OR, 2.26; P < .01); or death during the episode (OR, 1.56; P < .01). CONCLUSION: This is the first study of its kind to predict with high accuracy the highest spenders in radiation oncology. These patients may benefit from pre-emptive management to mitigate costs, or may require exclusion or adjustment from quality payment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Duaa Aljabri
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Li Z, Pan Z, Zhang L, He R, Jiang S, Xu C, Lu F, Zhang P, Li B. End-of-life cost and its determinants for cancer patients in urban China: a population-based retrospective study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026309. [PMID: 30898830 PMCID: PMC6528019 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to define the end-of-life (EOL) healthcare utilisation and its cost and determinants for cancer patients and to proactively inform related strategies in mainland China. DESIGN A population-based retrospective study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data from 894 cancer patients were collected in urban Yichang, China from 01 July 2015 to 30 June 2017. OUTCOME MEASURES Emergency department (ED) visits, outpatient and inpatient hospitalisation services, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and total costs were used as the main outcomes. RESULTS In this study, 66.8% of the 894 patients were male, and the average age was 60.4 years. Among these patients, 37.6% died at home, and patients had an average of 4.86 outpatient services, 2.23 inpatient hospitalisation services and 1.44 ED visits. Additionally, 5.9% of these patients visited the ICU at least once. During the EOL periods, the costs in the last 6 months, 3 months, 1 month and 1 week were US$18 234, US$13 043, US$6349 and US$2085, respectively. The cost increased dramatically as death approached. The estimation results of generalised linear regression models showed that aggressive care substantially affected expenditure. Patients with Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance spent more than those with Urban Resident-based Basic Medical Insurance or the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme. The place of death and the survival time are also risk factors for increased EOL cost. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that the EOL cost for cancer patients is associated with aggressive care, insurance type and survival time. Timing palliative care is urgently needed to address ineffective and irrational healthcare utilisation and to reduce costs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (IORG No.: IORG0003571). All the data used in this study were de-identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Li
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zijing Pan
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruibo He
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengzhong Xu
- Yichang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yichang, China
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Yichang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yichang, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Yichang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yichang, China
| | - Boyang Li
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lentz R, Benson AB, Kircher S. Financial toxicity in cancer care: Prevalence, causes, consequences, and reduction strategies. J Surg Oncol 2019; 120:85-92. [PMID: 30650186 DOI: 10.1002/jso.25374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Financial toxicity is the adverse impact of a cancer diagnosis on a patient's financial well-being resulting from direct or indirect costs. Potential consequences of financial toxicity include material loss, psychological distress, and/or maladaptive coping strategies. This review will summarize the prevalence, causes, and consequences of financial toxicity, with an emphasis on strategies to anticipate and reduce its burden. Improvement will require multilevel, coordinated efforts between stakeholders including patients, providers, health systems, payers, manufacturers, and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lentz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Illinois
| | - Al B Benson
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sheetal Kircher
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Geographical disparities in treatment and health care costs for end-of-life cancer patients in China: a retrospective study. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:39. [PMID: 30621633 PMCID: PMC6325809 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer imposes substantial burdens on cancer suffers, their families and the health system, especially in the end of life (EOL) of care patients. There are few developing country studies of EOL health care costs and no specialist studies of the disparities in cancer treatment and care costs by geographical location in China. We sought to examine geographical disparities in the types of cancer treatments and care costs during the last 3 months of life for Chinese cancer patients. Methods Using snowball sampling and face-to-face interviews, field research was conducted with a specialist questionnaire. Data were collected on 792 cancer patients who died between July 2013 and June 2016 in China. Total EOL health care costs were modeled using generalized linear models (GLMs) with log link and gamma distribution. Results Total health care costs were highest for urban (US$12,501) and western region (US$9808) patients and lowest for rural (US$5996) and central region (US$5814) patients. Our study revealed about 40% of the health care expenses occur in the last three months of life, and was mainly driven by hospital costs that accounted for about 70% of EOL expenditures. Patients faced out-of-pocket expenses for health care, with the ability to borrow from family and friends also impacting the type of treatment and health facility. Life-extending treatments per cancer patient was about two times that of patients receiving conservative treatments.Urban patients were more likely to receive life-extending treatments, financed by higher incomes and a greater capacity to borrow from family and friends to bridge the gap between health insurance reimbursements and out-of-pocket expenditures. Cancer patients in western region and urban area were significantly more likely to access hospice care. Conclusions We found significant urban-rural and regional disparities in EOL types of cancer treatment, utilization of medical care and the health care expenditures. The EOL cancer care costs imposed heavy economic burdens in China.We recommend better clinical guidelines, improved EOL conversations and fuller information on treatment regimes among patients, family caregivers and doctors. Policies and information should pay more attention to palliative care options and the socio-cultural context of cancer care decision-making by family. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5237-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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18
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Pisu M, Henrikson NB, Banegas MP, Yabroff KR. Costs of cancer along the care continuum: What we can expect based on recent literature. Cancer 2018; 124:4181-4191. [PMID: 30475400 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer costs should be discussed by patients and providers, but information is not readily available. Results from recently published studies (in the last 5 years) on direct and indirect cancer costs may help guide these discussions. METHODS The authors reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2017 that reported direct health care costs and indirect (productivity losses) costs. The annual mean total and net costs of cancer were summarized for all payers and for survivors only by age (ages 18-64 and ≥65 years), by phase of care (initial [ie, 12 months from diagnosis], continuing, and end-of-life [ie, 12 months before death]), or for recently diagnosed (within 1-2 years of diagnosis) and longer term survivors. RESULTS For all payers combined, costs for cancers like breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers were $20,000 to $100,000 in the initial phase, $1000 to $30,000 annually in the continuing phase, and ≥$60,000 in the end-of-life phase. Annual out-of-pocket costs to recently diagnosed survivors were >$1000 for medical care and time costs, approximately $2000 for productivity losses, and from $2500 to >$4000 for employment disability, depending on age. For longer term survivors, the cost of medical care was approximately $1500 for older survivors and $747 for younger survivors, time costs were $831 to $955 for older survivors and $459 to $630 for younger survivors, and productivity losses were approximately $800. Disability among long-term survivors was similar to that among short-term survivors. Limitations of the reviewed studies included older data and under-representation of higher cost cancers. CONCLUSIONS Frequently updated cost information for all cancer types is needed to guide discussions of anticipated short-term and long-term cancer-related costs with survivors. Cancer 2018;000:000-000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nora B Henrikson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - K Robin Yabroff
- Department of Intramural Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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Park M, Song I. Medical care costs of cancer in the last year of life using national health insurance data in Korea. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197891. [PMID: 29879136 PMCID: PMC5991689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medical care of cancer patients at the end-of-life is costly. This study aims to describe the monthly trends of EOL medical care, drug therapy, and chemotherapy costs per patient with cancer in the last year of life in the inpatients vs. outpatient setting for the 13 most prevalent cancers in Korea. Methods Using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database, we identified the patients who had been treated for the primary diagnoses of one of the 13 most prevalent cancers in Korea and died between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015. We calculated the mean monthly costs of medical care, drug therapy, and chemotherapy per patient in the last year of life by cancer site and patient setting (inpatient vs. outpatient). Results For most cancers, the monthly inpatient costs per patient remain stable or increased gradually from 12 months to 3 months prior to death and then increased steeply from 2 months prior to death. The mean monthly inpatient costs per patient were highest for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) throughout the last year of life; all solid tumors had similar trends of monthly inpatient costs. The mean monthly inpatient costs for AML increased from $5,465 (SD, $5,248) in 12 months prior to death to $15,033 (SD, $11,864) in the last month. The monthly outpatient costs per patient showed similar, gradually decreasing trends for most cancers. The mean outpatient costs were highest for kidney cancer; the costs sharply decreased from $954 (SD, $1,346) in 12 months prior to death to $424 (SD, $736) in the last month. The proportion of inpatients receiving chemotherapy in the last month of life was highest for AML (77%), followed by liver cancer (67%) and breast cancer (56%). Conclusion The monthly inpatient medical care costs per patient with cancer increased as the patient approached death, while the monthly outpatient costs decreased. A considerable proportion of inpatient received chemotherapy in the last month of life. Efforts are needed to optimize EOL care for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Park
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Listing Division, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inmyung Song
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- * E-mail:
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20
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Margolis B, Chen L, Accordino MK, Clarke Hillyer G, Hou JY, Tergas AI, Burke WM, Neugut AI, Ananth CV, Hershman DL, Wright JD. Trends in end-of-life care and health care spending in women with uterine cancer. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:434.e1-434.e10. [PMID: 28709581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-intensity care including hospitalizations, chemotherapy, and other interventions at the end of life is costly and often of little value for cancer patients. Little is known about patterns of end-of-life care and resource utilization for women with uterine cancer. OBJECTIVE We examined the costs and predictors of aggressive end-of-life care for women with uterine cancer. STUDY DESIGN In this observational cohort study the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database was used to identify women age ≥65 years who died from uterine cancer from 2000 through 2011. Resource utilization in the last month of life including ≥2 hospital admissions, >1 emergency department visit, ≥1 intensive care unit admission, or use of chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life was examined. High-intensity care was defined as the occurrence of any of the above outcomes. Logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with high-intensity care. Total Medicare expenditures in the last month of life are reported. RESULTS Of the 5873 patients identified, the majority had stage IV cancer (30.2%), were white (79.9%), and had endometrioid tumors (47.6%). High-intensity care was rendered to 42.5% of women. During the last month of life, 15.0% had ≥2 hospital admissions, 9.0% had a hospitalization >14 days, 15.3% had >1 emergency department visits, 18.3% had an intensive care unit admission, and 6.6% received chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life. The percentage of women who received high-intensity care was stable over the study period. Characteristics of younger age, black race, higher number of comorbidities, stage IV disease, residence in the eastern United States, and more recent diagnosis were associated with high-intensity care. The median Medicare payment during the last month of life was $7645. Total per beneficiary Medicare payments remained stable from $9656 (interquartile range $3190-15,890) in 2000 to $9208 (interquartile range $3309-18,554) by 2011. The median health care expenditure was 4 times as high for those who received high-intensity care compared to those who did not (median $16,173 vs $4099). CONCLUSION Among women with uterine cancer, high-intensity care is common in the last month of life, associated with substantial monetary expenditures, and does not appear to be decreasing.
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Toney LK, Kim RD, Palli SR. The Economic Value of Hybrid Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography With Computed Tomography Imaging in Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis. Acad Emerg Med 2017. [PMID: 28650562 PMCID: PMC5601189 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective The objective was to quantify the potential economic value of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computed tomography (CT; SPECT/CT) versus CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) planar scintigraphy, and V/Q SPECT imaging modalities for diagnosing suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) patients in an emergency setting. Methods An Excel‐based simulation model was developed to compare SPECT/CT versus the alternate scanning technologies from a payer's perspective. Clinical endpoints (diagnosis, treatment, complications, and mortality) and their corresponding cost data (2016 USD) were obtained by performing a best evidence review of the published literature. Studies were pooled and parameters were weighted by sample size. Outcomes measured included differences in 1) excess costs, 2) total costs, and 3) lives lost per annum between SPECT/CT and the other imaging modalities. One‐way (±25%) sensitivity and three scenario analyses were performed to gauge the robustness of the results. Results For every 1,000 suspected PE patients undergoing imaging, expected annual economic burden by modality was found to be 3.2 million (SPECT/CT), 3.8 million (CTPA), 5.8 million (planar), and 3.6 million (SPECT) USD, with a switch to SPECT/CT technology yielding per‐patient‐per‐month cost savings of $51.80 (vs. CTPA), $213.80 (vs. planar), and $36.30 (vs. SPECT), respectively. The model calculated that the incremental number of lives saved with SPECT/CT was six (vs. CTPA) and three (vs. planar). Utilizing SPECT/CT as the initial imaging modality for workup of acute PE was also expected to save $994,777 (vs. CTPA), $2,852,014 (vs. planar), and $435,038 (vs. SPECT) in “potentially avoidable”’ excess costs per annum for a payer or health plan. Conclusion Compared to the currently available scanning technologies for diagnosing suspected PE, SPECT/CT appears to confer superior economic value, primarily via improved sensitivity and specificity and low nondiagnostic rates. In turn, the improved diagnostic accuracy accords this modality the lowest ratio of expenses attributable to potentially avoidable complications, misdiagnosis, and underdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K. Toney
- Division of Nuclear Medicine; Valley Medical Center; Renton WA
- Division of Nuclear Medicine; University of Washington Medical Center; Seattle WA
| | - Richard D. Kim
- Southlake Clinic; University of Washington Medical Center; Seattle WA
| | - Swetha R. Palli
- Health Outcomes Research; CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting, Inc.; Covington KY
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Gardiner C, Ingleton C, Ryan T, Ward S, Gott M. What cost components are relevant for economic evaluations of palliative care, and what approaches are used to measure these costs? A systematic review. Palliat Med 2017; 31:323-337. [PMID: 27670418 PMCID: PMC5405843 DOI: 10.1177/0269216316670287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to understand the costs of palliative and end-of-life care in order to inform decisions regarding cost allocation. However, economic research in palliative care is very limited and little is known about the range and extent of the costs that are involved in palliative care provision. AIM To undertake a systematic review of the health and social care literature to determine the range of financial costs related to a palliative care approach and explore approaches used to measure these costs. DESIGN A systematic review of empirical literature with thematic synthesis. Study quality was evaluated using the Weight of Evidence Framework. DATA SOURCES The databases CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Medline were searched from 1995 to November 2015 for empirical studies which presented data on the financial costs associated with palliative care. RESULTS A total of 38 papers met our inclusion criteria. Components of palliative care costs were incurred within four broad domains: hospital care, community or home-based care, hospice care and informal care. These costs could be considered from the economic viewpoint of three providers: state or government, insurers/third-party/not-for-profit organisations and patient and family and/or society. A wide variety of costing approaches were used to derive costs. CONCLUSION The evidence base regarding the economics of palliative care is sparse, particularly relating to the full economic costs of palliative care. Our review provides a framework for considering these costs from a variety of economic viewpoints; however, further research is required to develop and refine methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Gardiner
- 1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christine Ingleton
- 1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tony Ryan
- 1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sue Ward
- 2 ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Merryn Gott
- 3 The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Hung YN, Liu TW, Wen FH, Chou WC, Tang ST. Escalating Health Care Expenditures in Cancer Decedents' Last Year of Life: A Decade of Evidence from a Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan. Oncologist 2017; 22:460-469. [PMID: 28232596 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2016-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No population-based longitudinal studies on end-of-life (EOL) expenditures were found for cancer decedents. METHODS This population-based, retrospective cohort study examined health care expenditures from 2001 to 2010 among 339,546 Taiwanese cancer decedents' last year of life. Individual patient-level data were linked from administrative datasets. Health care expenditures were converted from Taiwan dollars to U.S. dollars by health-specific purchasing power parity conversions to account for different health-purchasing powers. Associations of patient, physician, hospital, and regional factors with EOL care expenditures were evaluated by multilevel linear regression model by generalized estimating equation method. RESULTS Mean annual EOL care expenditures for Taiwanese cancer decedents increased from 2000 to 2010 from U.S. $49,591 to U.S. $68,773, respectively, with one third of spending occurring in the patients' last month. Increased EOL care expenditures were associated with male gender, younger age, being married, diagnosed with hematological malignancies and cancers other than lung, gastric, and hepatic-pancreatic cancers, and dying within 7-24 months of diagnosis. Patients spent less at EOL when they had higher comorbidities and metastatic disease, died within 6 months of diagnosis, were under care of oncologists, gastroenterologists, and intensivists, and received care at a teaching hospital with more terminally ill cancer patients. Higher EOL care expenditures were associated with greater EOL care intensity at the primary hospital and regional levels. CONCLUSION Taiwanese cancer decedents consumed considerable National Health Insurance disbursements at EOL, totaling more than was consumed in six developed non-U.S. countries surveyed in 2010. To slow increasing cost and improve EOL cancer care quality, interventions to ensure appropriate EOL care provision should target hospitals and clinicians less experienced in providing EOL care and those who tend to provide aggressive EOL care to high-risk patients. The Oncologist 2017;22:460-469Implications for Practice: Cancer-care costs are highest during the end-of-life (EOL) period for cancer decedents. This population-based study longitudinally examined EOL expenditures for cancer decedents. Mean annual EOL-care expenditures for Taiwanese cancer decedents increased from U.S. $49,591 to U.S. $68,773 from the year 2000 to 2010, with one third of spending in patients' last month and more than for six developed non-U.S. countries surveyed in 2010. To slow the increasing cost of EOL-cancer care, interventions should target hospitals/clinicians less experienced in providing EOL care, who tend to provide aggressive EOL care to high-risk patients, to avoid the physical suffering, emotional burden, and financial costs of aggressive EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ni Hung
- School of Gerontology Health Management and Master Program in Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsang-Wu Liu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Hauswaldt J, Hummers-Pradier E, Himmel W. Does an increase in visits to general practice indicate a malignancy? BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2016; 17:94. [PMID: 27456975 PMCID: PMC4960682 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-016-0477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background An increase in a patient’s visits to doctors usually raises concerns and may be a ‘red flag’ for a patient’s deterioration of health. The aim of this study was to analyze whether an increase of patient-physician contacts is a first sign of a malignancy in a patient’s near future. Methods This is a retrospective case-control study. From 153 German general practices’ electronic patient records (EPR), cases with at least one new malignancy diagnosis and no-malignancy controls were matched for gender and age. We calculated (1) the number of contacts in the first quarter up to the sixth quarter before a malignancy diagnosis was made and (2) the inter-contact interval (ICI), i.e. the time lag between two consecutive patient-physician contacts measured in days. Differences between cases and controls were investigated in several analyses of variance, with group and time as main factors. Results A total of 3,310 cases and 3,310 controls could be included. The number of contacts for cases in the six quarters before a malignancy diagnosis increased from 4.8 contacts (SD 4.3) to 5.5 contacts (SD 4.8). The number of contacts for controls increased only marginally from 4.3 contacts (SD 3.6) to 4.5 (SD 4.2). The factor ‘group’ (cases vs. controls) was highly significant in the analyses of variance, also ‘time’ and the interaction ‘group * time’. The effect size, however, was very small (R2 being less than 0.02), which is the equivalent for about one additional contact per quarter in cases directly before a newly made malignancy diagnosis. Conclusion An increase in contact frequency is a call for GPs to become more attentive towards these patients. It may raise the suspicion of an impending serious disease but the increase is not so dramatic and unique that it can be interpreted a reliable sign of a malignant diagnosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-016-0477-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hauswaldt
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center, Humboldtallee 38, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Eva Hummers-Pradier
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center, Humboldtallee 38, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Himmel
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center, Humboldtallee 38, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
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Cost-Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Morcellation Compared With Abdominal Hysterectomy for Presumed Myomas. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2015; 23:223-33. [PMID: 26475764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Hysterectomy for presumed leiomyomata is 1 of the most common surgical procedures performed in nonpregnant women in the United States. Laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) with morcellation is an appealing alternative to abdominal hysterectomy (AH) but may result in dissemination of malignant cells and worse outcomes in the setting of an occult leiomyosarcoma (LMS). We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LH versus AH. DESIGN Decision-analytic model of 100 000 women in the United States assessing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING U.S. hospitals. PATIENTS Adult premenopausal women undergoing LH or AH for presumed benign leiomyomata. INTERVENTIONS We developed a decision-analytic model from a provider perspective across 5 years, comparing the cost-effectiveness of LH to AH in terms of dollar (2014 US dollars) per QALY gained. The model included average total direct medical costs and utilities associated with the procedures, complications, and clinical outcomes. Baseline estimates and ranges for cost and probability data were drawn from the existing literature. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Estimated overall deaths were lower in LH versus AH (98 vs 103). Death due to LMS was more common in LH versus AH (86 vs 71). Base-case assumptions estimated that average per person costs were lower in LH versus AH, with a savings of $2193 ($24 181 vs $26 374). Over 5 years, women in the LH group experienced 4.99 QALY versus women in the AH group with 4.91 QALY (incremental gain of .085 QALYs). LH dominated AH in base-case estimates: LH was both less expensive and yielded greater QALY gains. The ICER was sensitive to operative costs for LH and AH. Varying operative costs of AH yielded an ICER of $87 651/QALY gained (minimum) to AH being dominated (maximum). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses, in which all input parameters and costs were varied simultaneously, demonstrated a relatively robust model. The AH approach was dominated 68.9% of the time; 17.4% of simulations fell above the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY gained. CONCLUSION When considering total direct hospital costs, complications, and morbidity, LH was less costly and yielded more QALYs gained versus AH. Driven by the rarity of occult LMS and the reduced incidence of intra- and postoperative complications, LH with morcellation may be a more cost-effective and less invasive alternative to AH and should remain an option for women needing hysterectomy for leiomyomata.
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