Cost of corneal transplantation for the Quebec health care system

Can J Ophthalmol. 2009 Feb;44(1):36-41. doi: 10.3129/i08-180.

Abstract

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.

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

Participants: 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Corneal Transplantation / economics*
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Delivery of Health Care / economics*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Services Research
  • Hospital Costs*
  • Humans
  • Insurance Claim Review
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • National Health Programs
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Quebec
  • Retrospective Studies