Managed care implications of diabetic macular edema

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is both the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 20 to 74 in the United States, and the leading ocular complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). An estimated 4.4% of adults with DM over 40 years of age have the more advanced form of DR: diabetic macular edema (DME), which significantly increases the risk of blindness. Medical costs for Medicare patients with DME are a third higher than for patients without DME. The majority of these costs stem from other DM-related complications, as DME is a marker for poorly controlled DM overall. Commercially insured patients with DME incur direct and indirect costs up to 75% higher than for those with DR without DME. Early detection, treatment, and improved glycemic control can limit the onset or progression of microvascular complications of DR, including DME, resulting in significant savings for payers. However, there are significant gaps in adherence to national guidelines regarding DM control and early identification of DR. In addition, patients face several barriers to screening. Improving screening for and management of early DR could decrease progression to DME, which would provide significant savings for payers, as well as improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients with DM. Managed care organizations and employers should also consider the cost-effectiveness of currently available treatments for DME: focal laser photocoagulation, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, and intravitreal corticosteroid injections and implants, in their formulary design; they should also identify opportunities to improve patient adherence to treatment.