Case Studies

Health Economic Analysis - Orthopedics

Insight

A leader in neuromuscular technologies commissioned The Aequitas Group to conduct a health economic (HE) study for a product used for treatment of foot-drop as a result of Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA).

Strategy

The objective of the study was not only to demonstrate the potential clinical utility associated with the device but also to demonstrate the economic value. The HE study compared the costs associated with management of patients with lower extremity hemiparesis and foot-drop from stroke, and costs associated with the use of the client’s product and standard ankle-foot orthotics management for treating patients with lower extremity hemiparesis and foot-drop from stroke.

Execution

A primary cost analysis was conducted to determine and compare costs associated with management of patients with lower extremity hemiparesis and foot-drop. A secondary cost utility analysis was conducted to determine and compare costs associated with the use of the client’s product and standard ankle-foot orthotics management. Specifically, with the help of the principle investigator and site clinical staff, the HE team conducted a crossover analysis of all associated costs of care data obtained from participating investigation sites. Managed care and payer groups use cost-effectiveness to evaluate potential candidate products or procedures for coverage and reimbursement purposes. In this regard, a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was conducted in an effort to spur market uptake and enhance product adoption, particularly in the managed health care environment.