title: Cost-benefit analysis of targeted hearing directed early testing for congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we estimate an ex ante cost-benefit analysis of a Utah law directed at improving early cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection.
  
  
  METHODS
  We use a differential cost of treatment analysis for publicly insured CMV-infected infants detected by a statewide hearing-directed CMV screening program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Utah government administrative data and multi-hospital accounting data are used to estimate and compare costs and benefits for the Utah infant population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  If antiviral treatment succeeds in mitigating hearing loss for one infant per year, the public savings will offset the public costs incurred by screening and treatment. If antiviral treatment is not successful, the program represents a net cost, but may still have non-monetary benefits such as accelerated achievement of diagnostic milestones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CMV education and treatment program costs are modest and show potential for significant cost savings.
authors.affiliation: Center for Public Policy & Administration, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bergevin
authors.affiliation: Department of Family & Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States. Electronic address: zick@fcs.utah.edu.
authors.forename: Cathleen D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Zick
authors.affiliation: Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
authors.forename: Stephanie Browning
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: McVicar
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
authors.forename: Albert H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000191:economics; D014589:Utah
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents
keywords: Cost–benefit analysis; Cytomegalovirus; Sensorineural hearing loss