Cost of corneal transplantation for the Quebec health care system.
OBJECTIVE
Although corneal graft is a common, long-standing procedure, little is known about its economic impact. The purpose of this study was to estimate resource use and costs associated with corneal transplantation according to a public third-party perspective.


METHODS
Retrospective study using claim data from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).


METHODS
A total of 610 subjects were included in the study. Mean age was 54.8 (SD 20.4) years.


METHODS
The RAMQ provided medical and pharmaceutical data for a random sample of 75% of the patients who underwent a corneal graft procedure between June 1, 1999, and May 31, 2002. Resource usage data, defined as medical interventions, physician visits, and medication, were collected for a 3-year postoperative follow-up period. Hospital costs associated with corneal graft were obtained from the University of Montreal Hospital Centre costing system.


RESULTS
The average costs per patient for graft and anesthesia were $501 (SD $75) and $115 (SD $124), respectively. The mean cost per patient for physician visits was $276 (SD $146). The mean number of physician visits per patient during the follow-up was 14.9 (SD 9.1). The cost per patient for medication was $337 (SD $1075). The average total cost per patient was $1229 (SD $1125). Costs incurred by the hospital represented a total of $1942.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall cost of corneal graft, including a 3-year follow-up, was estimated at $3171 ($1229 RAMQ, $1942 hospital). The majority of these costs occurred at the time of the procedure.
Roussy
Jean-Pascal F
JP
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que.
Aubin
Marie-Josée
MJ
Brunette
Isabelle
I
Lachaine
Jean
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000191:economics*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011792:Quebec; D012189:Retrospective Studies