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Economic cost of male erectile dysfunction using a decision analytic model: for a hypothetical managed-care plan of 100,000 members

Tan HL

PharmacoEconomics, 2000

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This paper examined the economic cost of male erectile dysfunction (ED) for a hypothetical managed-care (MC) model.

DESIGN AND SETTING: A prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach was used to estimate the direct medical cost for ED treatment. A treatment plan algorithm was developed from a MC perspective to model the initial treatment selection of various patient groups [vacuum erection device, intracavernosal injection (ICI) therapy, transurethral alprostadil suppository, sildenafil, testosterone replacement therapy, penile prosthesis] and their therapy outcomes during a 3-year period. Overall cost was based on 1998 US dollars. Total direct medical cost of ED considered in this model included the cost of initial physician consultation and evaluation, the cost incurred by patients from various treatment groups (pharmacological and surgical options), as well as the cost related to patients' follow-up for treatment within the 3-year period. Consideration for therapy switches made by patients who failed initial therapy was included as part of the clinical assumptions for this model. Treatment response and expected outcomes (dropouts) were considered for the various treatment options.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 100,000 enrolled members were included in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: The total cost of ED was $US3,204,792 for the 3-year period in the hypothetical MC plan. The treatment portion accounted for approximately 80% of the total cost while the cost…

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