MANAGED CARE February 2011. ©MediMedia USA
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To examine patterns of health care utilization and costs among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with pulmonary infections.
Design: Retrospective administrative claims database analysis.
Methodology: We used administrative claims data (including both medical and pharmacy claims) to examine health care utilization and costs among CF patients with pulmonary infections over one year. We conducted a subgroup analysis in which we examined selected outcome measures among patients with tobramycin for inhalation (TIS) prescriptions by the number of TIS prescriptions filled.
Principal findings: Among 1,064 CF patients identified with pulmonary infections, 80% had at least one CF-related office visit, 34% had a CF-related hospital stay, and 95% filled at least one prescription over one year. Total annual CF-related health care costs averaged $29,000 plus $20,000 for prescription drugs. In the subgroup analysis, there was a trend towards longer lengths of stay and higher inpatient costs with fewer numbers of TIS prescriptions filled.
Conclusion: CF patients with pulmonary infections have substantial levels of health care utilization and costs.