Potential economic impact of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in improving outcomes of patients with acute ischemic coronary syndromes

Abstract

Despite the institution of various cost control measures in the 1980s, healthcare costs have continued to rise. Following the adoption of the Medicare prospective payment system, the Health Care Financing Administration (HFCA) recognized the need to assess medical effectiveness as well as the cost of care. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures have been reported as the primary cost drivers in hospitalized patients with unstable angina, a form of acute ischemic coronary syndromes. Evaluation of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors as primary therapy for these patients suggests that good value for money is possible, especially if the use of these agents results in a reduction in revascularization procedures.