Hospitalization costs and out-of-pocket payments in lung cancer patients in Iran
Author Information
Author(s): Jalilian Habib, Heydari Somayeh, Javanshir Elnaz, Jamebozorgi Khosro, Mir Nazanin, Eshraghi Abbas, Fehresti Saeedeh
Primary Institution: Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Hypothesis
The Health Sector Evolution Plan (HSEP) has reduced out-of-pocket payments and improved financial protection for lung cancer patients in Iran.
Conclusion
The HSEP has increased financial protection for lung cancer patients by reducing their out-of-pocket payments, despite an overall increase in hospitalization costs.
Supporting Evidence
- Hospitalization costs increased from $2860 before HSEP to $5300 after HSEP.
- Out-of-pocket payments decreased from 22.16% to 10.5% after HSEP implementation.
- The percentage of patient contributions fell significantly after HSEP.
Takeaway
This study shows that even though lung cancer treatment costs went up, patients had to pay less out of their own pockets because of a new health plan.
Methodology
A prevalence-based cost of illness study using a bottom-up costing approach, analyzing data from electronic medical records of lung cancer patients.
Limitations
The study did not examine outpatient costs and focused only on hospitalization costs, limiting the assessment of the HSEP's overall performance.
Participant Demographics
74.7% of participants were men, with a mean age of 60 years before HSEP and 61 years after.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 2309.17–25424.17
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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