International comparison of orthotic brace prices.
This study compared market prices (i.e. third-party reimbursement and patient co-payment) of prefabricated neck, wrist and knee braces in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Ontario (Canada) and the UK. Data were collected through contacts with health authorities, health insurance funds, manufacturers and distributors. Market prices varied substantially between countries, indicating that manufacturers adapt their price setting strategy to the policy environment and the structure of the brace market of a country. Belgian prices tended to exceed prices in other countries for the selected neck, wrist and knee braces. There seems to be scope for reducing Belgian prices of selected braces.
Simoens
Steven
S
Research Centre for Pharmaceutical Care and Pharmaco-Economics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs en Navorsing 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 521, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. steven.simoens@pharm.kuleuven.be
Guillaume
Paul
P
Moldenaers
Ingrid
I
Depoorter
Antony
A
De Coster
Sandra
S
Van den Steen
Dirk
D
Van de Sande
Stefaan
S
Debruyne
Hans
H
Ramaekers
Dirk
D
Lona
Murielle
M
D001915:Braces / Q000191:economics*; D002170:Canada; D005060:Europe; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans