Direct Costs of Heart Failure in the Autonomous Region of Madeira

Custos Diretos da Insuficiência Cardíaca na Região Autónoma da Madeira

Resumo

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a global public health
issue. Its economic impact in the Autonomous Region of
Madeira (ARM) is unknown. Thus, profiling HF prevalence,
healthcare utilization and related costs in the ARM is fundamental.

We aimed to estimate the direct costs of HF in the ARM.

Methods: Prevalence-based, cost-of-illness study based
on 2014, from the health system perspective. Hospitalization and emergency department (ED) episodes were identified by the International Classification of Diseases 9th edition – Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). Patterns of visits, tests and medication consumption were derived from previous reported research. Costs were based on Disease Related Groups and from the official regional health system tariffs.

Results: There was a 4.93% prevalence above the age
of 25 (9201 patients). Out of these, 4140 were symptomatic
and hence healthcare consumers. We identified 426 admissions with a primary diagnosis of HF, 17 305 primary
care medical visits, 857 ED visits and 6707 medical hospital
visits. Total direct costs were €4 089 540.10. Hospital-related
care was responsible for the majority of costs (56%), followed by primary care costs (23%), medication (20%) and
long-term care (2%). The average annual cost per patient
was €987.81.

Conclusion: Total annual direct costs amounted to 0.1%
of the gross domestic product of the ARM and 1.2% of the
healthcare budget of the ARM for 2014. This research adds
information about the disease that was until now unknown
and should lead to better disease management programs.