Cost of ectopic pregnancy management: surgery versus methotrexate.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the potential annual cost savings of methotrexate (MTX) therapy for ectopic pregnancy (EP) at our institution and nationally.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
San Francisco General Hospital.


METHODS
All patients treated for EP in 1991.


METHODS
Medical records and billing statements were reviewed.


METHODS
Direct costs were determined from billing statements, and indirect costs were estimated based on published data. Potential annual national cost savings from MTX treatment were then extrapolated using national statistics on the incidence of EP.


RESULTS
Fifty EPs were treated with an average direct cost of $7,972 per case. Direct and indirect costs totaled > $500,000. Fifteen (30%) of the cases would have been eligible for MTX treatment with a resultant cost savings of > $160,000. The potential annual national cost savings would be in excess of $280 million.


CONCLUSIONS
If preliminary findings suggesting the effectiveness of MTX as an alternative therapy for EP are confirmed, appropriate use of MTX will not only reduce morbidity but also the substantial cost.
Creinin
M D
MD
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco.
Washington
A E
AE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*
D008727:Methotrexate