Difficult Discharges to Skilled Nursing Facilities Attributed to Multiple Sclerosis Medications: An Observational...

The costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and certain symptomatic treatments (ie, dalfampridine [DFP]) are high. Consolidated billing models require that medication costs be covered by skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) after hospitalization. As a result, patients may experience suboptimal discharge, off of medication or without rehabilitation.

To characterize the frequency with which MS pharmaceutical costs lead to suboptimal discharge, we performed a retrospective chart review of admissions to a large academic medical center from January 2013 to December 2017 among patients with MS on DMT and/or DFP with SNF rehabilitation recommendations. We quantified the burden of suboptimal discharge due to medication discontinuation, limited medication supplies, or forgone rehabilitation.

Among 169 admissions of patients with MS with discharge recommendations for SNF rehabilitation, there were 57 (33.7%) admissions across 49 patients with MS on DMT/DFP. Overall, 39 (68%) of 57 admissions (71% of patients) experienced a suboptimal discharge. Overall, 29 (65%) discontinued DMT/DFP, 9 (16%) took their remaining home supply of medications during rehabilitation (including 5 admissions also affected by a discontinuation), and 6 (11%) were discharged home to remain on DMT. Among those discharged to rehabilitation, discharge to a hospital-owned SNF was associated with a routine discharge with no lapse in medication (n = 11/15 vs 7/36, P < .001).

High costs of MS medications in conjunction with SNF consolidated payment models result in misaligned incentives and often lead to medication discontinuation or other suboptimal discharge for patients with MS.