AD Lib

ID: 09030
Title:Pharmacoeconomics of Alzheimer's Disease.
Publication Year: 2000.
Format(s): Journal Article
Language(s): English
Audience(s): Health Facilities Administrators , Health Services Providers
Author(s): Fillit, H.M.
Source: American Journal of Managed Care. 6(22) Suppl.: S1139-S1148. December 2000.

Abstract: This article examines the costs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the implications for devising cost-effective management strategies. The direct and indirect costs of AD are an estimated $100 billion per year. Yet most patients with AD receive inadequate care due to underdiagnosis, coding, and reimbursement barriers. Most managed care organizations (MCOs) still lack formal disease management programs for AD, even though studies have shown higher total costs for managing AD patients than for matched controls without AD. These extra costs include not only nursing home care but also medical claims for inpatient stays, emergency department visits, and outpatient care. The excess costs are especially high in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes or heart failure. Emerging pharmacoeconomic data indicate potential savings in medical care costs associated with early treatment of AD and the potential cost effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil. The authors conclude that MCOs should consider implementing formal care management pathways for AD similar to those used for other costly chronic diseases. 1 figure, 3 tables, 21 references. (AA-M)

Major Descriptor(s): ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE , CASE-MANAGEMENT , COST-CONTAINMENT , COSTS , MANAGED-CARE-PROGRAMS
Minor Descriptor(s): DRUG-THERAPY

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