title: Cost analysis of PET and comprehensive lifestyle modification for the reversal of atherosclerosis.
abstract: We present a preliminary cost analysis of a combination intervention using PET and comprehensive lifestyle modification to reverse atherosclerosis. With a sensitivity of 92%-95% and specificity of 85%-95%, PET is an essential tool for high-precision diagnosis of coronary artery disease, accurately guiding optimal treatment for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. PET imaging provides a powerful visual and educational aid for helping patients identify and adopt appropriate treatments. However, little is known about the operational cost of using the technology for this purpose.
  
  
  METHODS
  The analysis was done in the context of the Century Health Study for Cardiovascular Medicine (Century Trial), a 1,300-patient, randomized study combining PET imaging with lifestyle changes. Our methodology included a microcosting and time study focusing on estimating average direct and indirect costs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total cost of the Century Trial in present-value terms is $9.2 million, which is equal to $7,058 per patient. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the present value of total costs is likely to range between $8.8 and $9.7 million, which is equivalent to $6,655-$7,606 per patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical relevance of the Century Trial is significant since it is, to our knowledge, the first randomized controlled trial to combine high-precision imaging with lifestyle strategies. The Century Trial is in its second year of a 5-y protocol, and we present preliminary findings. The results of this cost study, however, provide policy makers with an early estimate of the costs of implementing, at large scale, a combined intervention such as the Century Trial. Further, we believe that imaging-guided lifestyle management may have considerable potential for improving outcomes and reducing health-care costs by eliminating unnecessary invasive procedures.
authors: Division of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas; and.
authors: Rigoberto I
authors: RI
authors: Delgado
authors: J Michael
authors: JM
authors: Swint
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Lairson
authors: Nils P
authors: NP
authors: Johnson
authors: K Lance
authors: KL
authors: Gould
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Sdringola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D002309:Cardiology / Q000191:economics; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000191:economics*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: costs of cardiovascular disease management; lifestyle modification strategy; reversal of atherosclerosis