Applied health economics and health policy
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Appl Health Econ Health Policy · Mar 2011
Current and future economic burden of osteoporosis in New Zealand.
Osteoporosis is recognized as a serious health condition in developed as well as developing countries. There are no accurate estimates of the extent of the burden of osteoporosis in New Zealand. The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic burden of osteoporosis in New Zealand using data from international studies and population and health services information from New Zealand. ⋯ Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures create a significant burden on the health system in New Zealand. This study highlights the significant scope of the burden of osteoporosis and the potential gains that might be made from introducing interventions to mitigate the burden.
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Appl Health Econ Health Policy · Mar 2011
Influence of patient co-payments on atypical antipsychotic choice in Poland: implications once generic atypicals are available.
Despite recent concerns over the effectiveness and safety of atypical antipsychotics compared with first-generation antipsychotics, prescribing of atypical antipsychotics continues to increase. The use of generic atypical antipsychotics is one way to address cost concerns, especially if there are no major differences in outcomes between generic and originator formulations. Market forces do appear to help lower prices if patients have to cover any difference between higher priced generics and originators and the current reference-priced products themselves, which they try to avoid, and if companies strive to gain market share. However, this approach may compromise individualizing atypical choice if reference classes consist of several atypicals between which there are significant co-payment differences. ⋯ Market forces appear to drive down the prices of generics and originators as more atypical formulations are launched. However, alternative approaches may be needed if significant co-payment differences compromise individualized care.