Factors associated with the healthcare expenditures of patients with multiple sclerosis in urban areas of China estimated by a generalized estimating equation

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a significant healthcare burden. This study examined the medical cost and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses, and quantified the impact factors contributing to the costs. Methods: This is a retrospective study in 77 Chinese urban cites from 2013 to 2015. The data included the details of the utilization of medical resources, cost, and reimbursement ratio of all patients with a diagnosis of MS. A generalized estimating equation model was used to estimate the factors influencing the direct medical cost and OOP expenses for in- and outpatients. Results: A total of 267 patients with MS were identified. The mean cost per in- and outpatient was respectively 16996.2 and 2294.2 renminbi ($2768.12 and $373.65, €2087.16 and €281.73). Approximately 27% of the expenses were paid by the patients OOP. Factors contributing to high cost and high OOP expenses for inpatients were tertiary hospital admission, length of stay and residence in the east regions of China. Females and outpatients with resident insurance paid more OOP. Conclusion: This study illustrates the medical costs and burden of MS in Chinese patients and provides real-world data on MS that are essential for the improvement of health policies.

Keywords: China; Multiple sclerosis (MS); generalized estimating equation (GEE); healthcare expenditures; medical cost; out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses.