Authors: White T.J.¹; Vanderplas A.¹; Chang E.¹; Dezii C.M.²; Abrams G.D.¹

Source: Disease Management & Health Outcomes, Volume 12, Number 3, 2004 , pp. 181-188(8)

Publisher: Adis International

Abstract:

Objective: To assess the relationship between diabetic medication adherence, total healthcare costs, and utilization within patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Research design and methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of pharmacy and medical claims from 1 April 1998 through 31 March 2000 within a managed care organization’s database. Patients were identified who had received an oral antihyperglycemic medication or had a diagnosis of CVD, were continuously enrolled in the health plan, and were 30 years of age. The likelihood of an emergency room (ER) or hospital admission and total healthcare costs related to all causes, stratified by antihyperglycemic medication adherence cohort within the diabetes only and diabetes + CVD groups, were examined over 360 days from the date the patient was identified.

Results: For diabetes patients with 75, >75 to 95, and >95% adherence, adjusted total healthcare costs (from April 1998 to March 2000) were $US5706, $US5314, and $US4835, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with 75 and >75 to 95% adherence had a 31% and 19% greater chance of a hospital/ER admission than those in the >95% cohort, respectively. Adjusted healthcare costs (from April 1998 to March 2000) for those with 75, >75 to 95, and >95% adherence within the diabetes + CVD cohort was $US37 648, $US31 547, and $US25 354 (p < 0.001). Patients who were 75 and >75 to 95% adherent had a 44% and 51% greater chance of a hospital/ER admission than those with >95% adherence, respectively.

Conclusions: Higher adherence to oral antihyperglycemic agents is associated with lower healthcare resource utilization and costs for patients with diabetes only and patients with concomitant diabetes and CVD.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Cost analysis; Patient compliance

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: 1 Prescription Solutions®, Costa Mesa, California, USA 2: 2 Bristol-Myers Medical Affairs, Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA

Publication date: 2004-01-01

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