Cost Analysis of Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Total Knee Replacement Patients

Hadi Alizadeh  Siuki; Nikta  Shobeiri; Amin  Adel; Asma Rashki  Kemmak

doi:10.18502/htaa.v9i4.20663

Hadi Alizadeh Siuki Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
Nikta Shobeiri Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Amin Adel Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Asma Rashki Kemmak Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v9i4.20663

Keywords: Cost analysis, Direct medical cost, Direct non-medical cost, Venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. It includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE treatment incurs substantial costs, and it is predicted that the economic burden of this disease on society will continue to rise both domestically and globally. This study aimed to analyze the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of VTE in patients undergoing total knee replacement in order to identify major cost drivers and provide insights for more efficient healthcare management.

Methods: An incidence-based approach was used in this cross-sectional descriptive study to perform the cost analysis of diagnosis and treatment of VTE in total knee replacement patients in Iran in 2023. To this end, direct costs were calculated based on the bottom-up costing approach.

Results: The average direct medical cost per patient was $1742.65. The average direct non-medical cost per patient was estimated at $604.75. Notably, 44% of these costs are associated with patient companionship, while 33% are attributed to transportation costs.

Conclusion: With the elderly population on the rise in our country, the need for knee joint replacement surgeries is on an upward trajectory as well. However, it is associated with the risk of developing VTE, which can be severe and life-threatening. Moreover, patients who develop VTE after major orthopedic surgeries tend to have considerably longer hospital stays, placing a strain on hospital resources and finances.