ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new analysis published by THE SAGE GROUP LLC concludes that the direct cost of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is between $164 and $290 billion. Including the “hidden costs” of diabetic foot ulcers the total economic burden of PAD increases to $225-$351 billion.
“PAD is an extremely expensive disease,” stated Mary L. Yost President of THE SAGE GROUP. “Inpatient hospitalizations account for the vast majority of costs with almost 70% of this bill paid for by Medicare.”
“PAD costs as much, or even more than coronary artery disease (CAD). Our analysis of inpatient hospital data found that the average treatment charge for PAD ($58,439) was about the same as for CAD ($58,790),” she continued.
“PAD-specific treatments are only one factor driving up spending,” Yost explained. “Cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes and related treatments, account for over 40% of costs adding significantly to the economic burden.”
Commenting on other hidden costs Ms. Yost observed, “Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients with PAD are more expensive to treat. Treatment costs 4.5 times more in those with PAD than in those without ischemic limb disease. We believe that some, or even all of this cost difference, should be added to cost of PAD.”
“Diabetic foot ulcers have not previously been considered contributors to the cost of PAD,” she explained. “However, we believe that DFU should be included because in addition to the treatment cost differential, the presence of PAD in diabetic patients increases their risk of developing foot ulcers and is associated with more adverse outcomes including major amputations and higher mortality.”
The report titled “The Real Cost of Peripheral Artery Disease” reviews and analyzes the currently published, peer-reviewed PAD cost literature. THE SAGE GROUP’S comprehensive analysis of inpatient cost and outcomes data is also featured. PAD discharges are compared with all hospital discharges according to age, per patient charges and by payer with special emphasis on the Medicare and Medicaid populations. Outcomes (length of stay, mortality and discharge status) for PAD are assessed by disease severity. The total cost of peripheral artery disease is also compared with that of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease.
The costs of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are analyzed including estimates of the prevalence of all DFU and the prevalence of ischemic ulcers, as well as the per patient and total costs of DFU attributable to the presence of peripheral artery disease.
Additional report information: http://thesagegroup.us/pages/reports/pad-real-cost.php.
THE SAGE GROUP, a research and consulting company, specializes in atherosclerotic disease in the lower limbs, specifically PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease), CLI (Critical Limb Ischemia) and ALI (Acute Limb Ischemia). The most recent research focuses on PAD and diabetic foot ulcers, as well as on quantifying the economic costs of PAD.
For additional information visit: www.thesagegroup.us.