The economic impact of obstructive sleep apnea.
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases healthcare utilization and is associated with reduced work performance and occupational injuries. The economic burden related to untreated OSA is substantial, accounting for billions of dollars per year. Furthermore, therapy of OSA is an extremely cost-efficient use of healthcare resources, comparing highly favorably with other commonly funded medical therapies. Governments, transportation agencies, industry, and insurance companies need to be better informed concerning the economic impact of untreated OSA and the benefits of therapy.
AlGhanim
Nayef
N
Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, and Respiratory Division, Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada.
Comondore
Vikram R
VR
Fleetham
John
J
Marra
Carlo A
CA
Ayas
Najib T
NT
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000191:economics; D001294:Attitude to Health; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000191:economics*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004526:Efficiency; D017048:Health Care Costs; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006296:Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000191:economics; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance