An evaluation of healthcare utilization and clinical charges in children and adults with cystic fibrosis

Background Prior studies have estimated healthcare costs for cystic fibrosis (CF) of $8000–$131,000, but do not account for impacts of CF modulator therapy. This study aims to assess utilization patterns and cost of CF care in a center in the United States. Methods Care utilization patterns and costs at a large pediatric‐adult CF center were examined from November 2017 to November 2018. Subjects were stratified by age and cost (excluding pharmacy costs) were calculated based on hospital‐derived utilization charges. Results A total of 166 patients were reviewed with mean clinical charges of $28,755. Lower lung function ($23,032 normal lung function, $62,293 moderate reduction, $186,786 severe reduction; p  = .05), hospitalizations ($85,452 yes, $6362 no; p  = .0001), Pseudomonas positive culture ($48,660 positive, $22,013 negative, p  = .0001), and CF‐related diabetes ($161,892 CFRD, $22,153 no CFRD; p  = .001) were associated with increased charges. Patients utilizing Ivacaftor had lower charges compared to lumacaftor–ivacaftor ($6633 vs. $33,039; p  = .05) and tezacaftor–ivacaftor ($6633 vs. $64,434; p  = .002). Conclusion Our study characterized utilization and care charges among a CF cohort. Lower lung function, hospitalizations, and CFRD were associated with increased charges.