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Changes in COPD demographics and costs over 20 years
Christopher M Blanchette1, Anand A Dalal, Douglas Mapel
1Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. cblanche@uncc.edu
Journal of Medical Economics
|July 21, 2012
Summary
The mean cost for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients increased by 37% over 20 years, with higher costs for emergency visits and prescriptions. Prevention and diagnosis efforts should focus more on women at risk for COPD.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Economics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and significant healthcare expenditure in the US.
- Understanding long-term cost trends is crucial for resource allocation and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the 20-year changes in COPD-related healthcare costs.
- To assess direct medical cost trends for COPD over the last decade (1997-2007).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing the 1987 National Medical Expenditures Panel Survey with the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
- Analysis of respondents aged 40 and older diagnosed with COPD.
- Examination of demographic and healthcare utilization patterns.
Main Results:
- The mean cost per COPD patient rose by 37% from 1987 to 2007 (in 2007 dollars).
- Emergency department visits and prescription drug costs saw substantial proportional increases (183% and 170%, respectively) between 1987 and 2007.
- Hospitalizations showed the largest absolute cost increase per patient.
Conclusions:
- COPD prevalence in females and mean patient costs have significantly increased over two decades.
- Shifting towards preventive services could improve care and cost management for COPD patients.
- Increased focus on prevention, diagnosis, and management is needed for women at risk of COPD.
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