Cost Analysis of Patients Referred for Inherited Heart Rhythm Disorder Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Inherited heart rhythm disorders (IHRDs) are rare, complex conditions.
• These arrhythmogenic disorders can cause sudden unexpected death in healthy individuals.
• Multidisciplinary programs are crucial for diagnosing IHRDs in patients and families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize patients evaluated in a specialized adult and pediatric IHRD clinic.
• To calculate the total costs associated with IHRD evaluation and diagnosis.
• To compare costs and diagnostic yields between primary referrals and family members undergoing cascade screening.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of 618 patients in a specialized IHRD clinic (April 2013-February 2015).
• Patients categorized as primary referrals or family members for cascade screening.
• Calculation of per-patient costs and total costs per diagnosis.

Main Results:

• A total of 618 patients were evaluated; 77% received a diagnosis.
• Primary referrals required more tests and incurred higher evaluation costs ($3096 vs $983).
• The total cost per diagnosis was significantly higher for primary referrals ($4021) than family members ($1277).

Conclusions:

• Clinical evaluation in specialized IHRD clinics yields a high diagnostic rate.
• Costs are comparable to other complex multidisciplinary disorder clinics.
• Evaluation costs are higher for primary referrals than for family members in cascade screening.