[Cost analysis for ambulatory treatment of cystic fibrosis patients in Germany. Overview of the prospective study results].
OBJECTIVE
Main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate resource use in outpatient treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in Germany and to compare this with current reimbursement.


METHODS
Outpatient treatment was evaluated in seven different CF centers.Clinical patient data, resource use, and time consumption were recorded in 2006. A micro-costing approach was used to price resource use data.


RESULTS
Mean costs of 488 Euros per patient (n = 326) and quarter occurred. Remuneration (252 Euros per patient/quarter) covered only 52% of the total costs. Furthermore, a considerable time and financial burden for patients as well as decreasing quality of life with increasing age were found. Costs for medication came to 21,604 Euros per patient/year.


CONCLUSIONS
Human resources in German CF centers today already are below the requirements set by the European consensus for standards of CF care. It will be crucial in assuring a high level of patient care to reach a cost-covering reimbursement scheme in Germany.
Eidt
Daniela
D
Forschungsstelle für Gesundheitsökonomie, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover. de@ivbl.uni-hannover.de
Mittendorf
Thomas
T
Wagner
Thomas O F
TO
Reimann
Andreas
A
Graf von der Schulenburg
J-Matthias
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000191:economics; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000191:economics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics; D012803:Sick Role; D055815:Young Adult