The direct costs of drug-induced skin reactions

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was an assessment of direct costs of patients hospitalised for for skin adverse drug reactions during 2002-2012 in the Department of Dermatology at the Military Institute of Medicine (Ministry of Defence) in Warsaw. The analysis was carried out from the perspectives of the public payer and service provider. Materials and method. The retrospective study was carried out in a group of 164 adult patients due to skin adverse drug reactions. Analysis was based on data from patient medical records and medical orders which provided information on the used resources, including diagnostic tests, medical consultations, medicinal products, hospitalisation duration, together with cost estimation, regardless of the treatment being the cause of the skin reaction. Results. According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems(ICD) diagnosis and scores, assigned by the National Healthcare Fund, it has been estimated that patient hospitalisation at the Department of Dermatology for skin drug reaction incurred costs at the average amount of €717.00 per patient. The complex diagnostics and pharmacotherapy of the same group of patients generated costs for the hospital at the average amount of €680 per patient. Conclusions. As a result of the analysis, the therapy for skin adverse drug effects generates significant costs, both for the payer and the service provider. Since the costs are comparable, it seems that the pricing of medical procedures by the public payer is adequate for the costs incurred by the medical service provider.

Drug-Induced Photosensitivity—From Light and Chemistry to Biological Reactions and Clinical Symptoms

“…Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are thought to be one of the most frequently occurring ADRs [ 3 , 4 ]. They often require hospitalization, additional treatment, medical management, and generate significant costs for the payer as well as for the service provider [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In addition to the above, they also lead to a decrease in patient’s comfort and the limitation of drug usage.…”

Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Minocycline-Induced Hyperpigmentation—The Study on Normal Human Melanocytes Exposed to UVA and UVB Radiation

“…Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are thought to be one of the most frequent. Skin-related ADRs require additional treatment, medical management and generate significant costs for the payer as well as for the service provider [5]. In addition to the above, they also lead to a decrease in patient comfort and the limitations of drug usage.…”