An economic model to reduce the cost of chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Chemotherapy with innovative state-of-the-art medicine at university level can be very costly. Reimbursement until 2002 was at a flat rate, often not even covering the costs of the pharmaceutical substances. To avoid debt a more cost-effective chemotherapy management system had to be found.


METHODS
From this background, an economic model with four steps was developed: 1. Analysis of current financial situation; 2. Precalculation of chemotherapy costs; 3. Assignment to an individual cost-covering reimbursement pathway; and 4. Postcalculation for cost efficiency and elimination of potential mistakes.


RESULTS
After successful implementation of this model we were able to reach cost effectiveness for our chemo unit within 12 months and pay back previous debts and were even able to employ new medical staff.


CONCLUSIONS
With this model we are now able to perform chemotherapy cost effectively at a university level without reducing standard of care.
Jacobs
Volker R
VR
Frauenklinik (OB/GYN), Technical University, Munich, Germany.
Thoedtmann
Jutta
J
Brunner
Bettina
B
Kiechle
Marion
M
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000191:economics; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D018803:Models, Economic; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents