Cost analysis of dental services needed before hematopoietic cell transplantation

Streptococcal bacteremia occurs during hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and treatment of active oral disease may reduce this risk. The objective of this study was to determine the type, number, and costs of pre-transplantation dental procedures in this population.

Data were collected retrospectively from the records of patients who were to undergo HCT. The type, number, and costs of dental procedures were determined based on median charges of MassHealth (the Medicaid program in Massachusetts) and also on the median "usual and customary" fees charged by dentists in Massachusetts.

A total of 405 patients were evaluated. There were 243 men (60%) and 162 women, with a median age of 53 years. The median and average costs (in US dollars) of dental treatment before HCT were $275 and $384, respectively, for patients covered by MassHealth and $368 and $522, respectively, for those with private insurance, adjusted to 2012 levels.

Dental evaluation before HCT is an economical way for patients to minimize the risk of localized infection and possibly reduce the risk of bacteremia that may prolong the length of hospitalization.