Related Experiment Videos
Estimating clozapine's cost to the nation
1New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, White Plains 10605.
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Clozapine is an effective schizophrenia treatment but costly and risky. National estimates suggest 133,000-189,000 patients could be eligible, costing $1.2-$1.7 billion annually.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Health Economics
Background:
- Clozapine is a vital antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
- Its use is limited by agranulocytosis risk, necessitating regular blood monitoring.
- Estimating patient numbers and costs is crucial for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the national number of eligible patients for clozapine treatment.
- To project the annual national cost of clozapine administration.
- To inform healthcare policy and resource planning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from three New York State patient surveys.
- Applied varying eligibility criteria to identify potential clozapine candidates.
- Calculated national patient numbers and associated treatment costs.
Main Results:
- Estimated 133,000 to 189,000 individuals nationally eligible for clozapine.
- Projected annual treatment costs ranging from $1.2 to $1.7 billion.
- Eligibility numbers varied based on exclusion criteria for unsuitable candidates.
Conclusions:
- Clozapine treatment for severe schizophrenia represents a significant national healthcare expenditure.
- Accurate patient population estimates are essential for managing the costs and logistics of clozapine therapy.
- Further research may refine eligibility criteria and cost-effectiveness analyses.