Patient demographics and health plan paid costs in CIDP

We examined demographics, prevalence of comorbidities, prescribed drugs, place of service, and mean annual health plan paid costs per patient. Results: From 6.5 million covered lives, 73 (56% men; mean age 47) met study entry criteria. The most prescribed therapies were intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (26% of patients), gabapentin (26%), and prednisone (16%). The annual health plan paid cost was $56,953. Pharmacy cost was the major cost driver (57% of the total), and IVIg totaled 90% of the pharmacy costs. Discussion: Healthcare costs for CIDP patients are substantial, with a large burden in pharmacy utilization. Studies are needed to determine optimal long‐term treatment strategies for CIDP, particularly related to IVIg. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: Muscle and Nerve - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research