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Cost of subcutaneous immunotherapy in a large insured population in the United States |
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| Authors: | Jianbin Mao Kim A. Heithoff Eleena Koep Thomas Murphy Eva Hammerby |
| Affiliation: | 1. Optum, Eden Prairie, MN, USA;2. Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, Merck, Sharp, &3. Dohme Inc., Lebanon, NJ, USA;4. Charleston ENT and Allergy, North Charleston, SC, USA;5. ALK-Abelló A/S, H?rsholm, Denmark |
| Abstract: | Objective: Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects up to 40% of the United States population, with approximately $11 billion annual medical costs. Allergy immunotherapy is the best option for long-term symptomatic relief, but treatment compliance can be low. The objective was to describe subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)-related costs for patients overall and those with inconsistent treatment. Methods: This study observed commercial and Medicare Advantage with Part D health plan enrollees. Included subjects had claims with AR diagnostic codes during 1 January 2011–31 December 2015 and ≥1 SCIT claim during 1 January 2013–31 December 2015 (index date?=?first SCIT claim date). A control sample was chosen randomly at a 1:3 ratio of SCIT to controls. Inconsistent use was defined as a ≥90?day gap after ≥1 SCIT. Patient characteristics were compared between SCIT patients and controls. Costs were calculated for all SCIT patients and the inconsistent subgroup. Results: Compared with controls (n?=?394,479), SCIT (n?=?131,493) patients were younger (39.3 vs. 41.4 years), more likely female (56.4% vs. 50.7%) and more likely in a commercial plan (91.6% vs. 83.6%); all p? Conclusions: This study showed 15% of patients may have costly inconsistent SCIT treatment. Greater understanding is needed regarding the reasons for inconsistent use of subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy. |
| Keywords: | Allergic rhinitis allergen immunotherapy subcutaneous injection healthcare costs |