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Direct cost of cochlear implants in Germany - a strategic simulation
Christin Thum1, Thomas Lenarz2, Steffen Fleßa3
1Department of General Business Administration and Health Care Management, Faculty of Law and Economics, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 70, 17489, Greifswald, Germany. christin.thum@web.de.
Health Economics Review
|December 24, 2022
Summary
Cochlear implant (CI) demand in Germany is projected to rise due to demographic shifts and technological advancements. Future innovations are crucial for managing increased costs associated with CI supply.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Health Economics
- Medical Technology Forecasting
Background:
- Cochlear implant (CI) utilization in Germany lags behind demand, despite increasing indications.
- Current CI implantation numbers remain relatively low.
Purpose of the Study:
- To forecast the number and costs of adult cochlear implantations over 40 years.
- To provide a social health insurance (SHI) perspective on future CI demand and expenditure.
Main Methods:
- Development of a System Dynamics model for forecasting.
- Analysis based on demographic changes, medical-technical progress, and patient willingness for implantation.
Main Results:
- Demographic changes are expected to cause a marginal increase in CI demand, with average annual costs of approximately €538 million.
- Medical-technical progress and relaxed indication criteria will significantly boost implantation numbers, leading to average annual costs of €765 million.
Conclusions:
- Adult CI demand and associated supply costs are projected to increase.
- Sustained research and development in CI technology are vital for cost-effective innovations to meet future demand.
