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Cost profiles and budget impact of rechargeable versus non‐rechargeable sacral neuromodulation devices in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome
Author(s) -
Noblett Karen L.,
Dmochowski Roger R.,
Vasavada Sandip P.,
Garner Abigail M.,
Liu Shan,
Pietzsch Jan B.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.23008
Subject(s) - medicine , reimbursement , discontinuation , sacral nerve stimulation , overactive bladder , time horizon , guideline , total cost , health care , intensive care medicine , surgery , business , economics , alternative medicine , accounting , finance , pathology , economic growth
Objectives Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a guideline‐recommended third‐line treatment option for managing overactive bladder. Current SNM devices are not rechargeable, and require neurostimulator replacement every 3–6 years. Our study objective was to assess potential cost effects to payers of adopting a rechargeable SNM neurostimulator device. Methods We constructed a cost‐consequence model to estimate the costs of long‐term SNM‐treatment with a rechargeable versus non‐rechargeable device. Costs were considered from the payer perspective at 2015 reimbursement levels. Adverse events, therapy discontinuation, and programming rates were based on the latest published data. Neurostimulator longevity was assumed to be 4.4 and 10.0 years for non‐rechargeable and rechargeable devices, respectively. A 15‐year horizon was modeled, with costs discounted at 3% per year. Total budget impact to the United States healthcare system was estimated based on the computed per‐patient cost findings. Results Over the 15‐year horizon, per‐patient cost of treatment with a non‐rechargeable device was $64,111 versus $36,990 with a rechargeable device, resulting in estimated payer cost savings of $27,121. These cost savings were found to be robust across a wide range of scenarios. Longer analysis horizon, younger patient age, and longer rechargeable neurostimulator lifetime were associated with increased cost savings. Over a 15‐year horizon, adoption of a rechargeable device strategy was projected to save the United States healthcare system up to $12 billion. Conclusions At current reimbursement rates, our analysis suggests that rechargeable neurostimulator SNM technology for managing overactive bladder syndrome may deliver significant cost savings to payers over the course of treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:727–733, 2017 . © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.