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.
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
Steven
S
Simoens
Paul
P
Guillaume
Ingrid
I
Moldenaers
Antony
A
Depoorter
Sandra
S
De Coster
Dirk
D
Van den Steen
Stefaan
S
Van de Sande
Hans
H
Debruyne
Dirk
D
Ramaekers
Murielle
M
Lona
D001915:Braces / Q000191:economics*; D002170:Canada; D005060:Europe; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans