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Fat-Covered Islet Transplantation Using Epididymal White Adipose Tissue
Published on: May 25, 2021
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Islet transplantation in Italy
1SSD Diabetology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Cellr4-- Repair, Replacement, Regeneration, & Reprogramming
|September 16, 2021
Summary
Italy performs islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. However, current reimbursement structures inadequately cover islet isolation and transplantation costs, despite significant program activity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Health Economics
Background:
- Milan hosts Italy's two primary islet transplant centers: San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Niguarda Hospital.
- By 2018, approximately 200 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus underwent islet allotransplantation, with around 100 receiving islet auto-transplantation post-pancreatectomy in Italy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant volume of islet transplantation procedures in Italy.
- To address the financial challenges associated with islet isolation and transplantation due to inadequate reimbursement.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of islet transplantation activity in Italy up to 2018.
- Review of current reimbursement policies, specifically Diagnosis-related group (DRG) coverage.
Main Results:
- Substantial islet transplantation activity exists in Milanese centers.
- Existing Diagnosis-related group reimbursement fails to cover the full costs of islet isolation and transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Despite high procedural volumes, a dedicated reimbursement fee for islet isolation is lacking in Italy.
- Current DRG-based reimbursement is insufficient to cover the comprehensive costs of islet transplantation, posing financial challenges.
