Chin Hur, MD, a gastroenterologist at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital, and colleagues developed a model to analyze cost effectiveness in screening patients with GERD who are at risk for Barrett’s esophagus. They compared Cytosponge to endoscopy-only screening.
Researchers used data from a clinical trial of Cytosponge performance. They incorporated that data into two esophageal adenocarcinoma progression models. With both models, researchers determined what method would be most cost effective for a 60-year-old, male patient with GERD.
Here’s what they found:
1. The Cytosponge with a follow-up endoscopy to confirm positive results reduces screening costs by 27 percent to 29 percent.
2. However, the Cytosponge led to 1.8 to 5.5 fewer quality-adjusted life years per 1,000 patients.
3. The Cytosponge’s incremental cost-effectiveness ratios when patients weren’t screened with an endoscopy [A2] ranged from $26,358 to $33,307. When patients were screened by an endoscopy, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were between $107,583 and $330,361.
Researchers concluded, “In a comparative modeling analysis of screening strategies for BE in patients with GERD, we found Cytosponge screening with endoscopic confirmation to be a cost-effective strategy. The greatest benefit was achieved by endoscopic screening, but with an unfavorable cost margin.”
More articles on gastroenterology:
What 15 healthcare practices pay their gastroenterologists — $458k is #1
Gastroenterologists, payers possibly thwarting biosimilar adaptation — 4 key notes
‘Relentless dedication to IBD care’ — How 3 GI leaders will use their Sherman Prizes to enhance IBD, Crohn’s treatment
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.