Cost effectiveness and cost utility of the noncoding blood glucose meter CONTOUR^® TS

Abstract

Aims

This study assessed the cost efficacy and cost utility of the automatic blood glucose meter CONTOUR^® TS from the public payer (National Health Fund [NHF]) and payer (patient and NHF) perspectives over a 26-year analysis horizon.

Methods

Clinical effectiveness data were obtained from prior clinical studies of automatic versus manually coded blood glucose meters. Cost data were obtained from the NHF. The probability of procedure use related to diabetic complications was obtained from four medical centers in Poland. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio related to 1 life year gained and the incremental cost-utility ratio related to 1 quality-adjusted life year gained were calculated.

Results

Assuming co-funding from public funds, introduction of the CONTOUR^® TS is associated with savings of Polish zloty (PLN) 31,846.19 (€ 8916.93) and PLN 113,018.19 (€ 31,645.09) per life year gained from the payer and public payer perspectives, respectively. Cost utility analyses showed that the CONTOUR^® TS is associated with savings of PLN 40,465.59 (€ 11,330.37) and PLN 11,434.82 (€ 3201.75) per quality-adjusted life year gained from the payer and the public payer perspectives, respectively.

Conclusion

The CONTOUR^® TS appears superior to manually coded meters available in Poland both from the payer and the public payer perspectives and may represent an improved strategy for glycemic control.

Keywords:

• blood glucose self monitoring
• costs and cost analysis
• health care costs
• diabetes mellitus
• diabetes complications

Acknowledgments

This study was sponsored by Bayer Sp. z o.o. The sponsor provided financial support for conducting the analyses. Editorial assistance was provided by Megan Knagge, PhD, of MedErgy and was funded by Bayer. Holko and Kawalec both contributed to the concept/design and data analysis/interpretation, and the drafting, critical revision, and approval of this article.