Health Care Expenditures in Ulcerative Colitis: The Perspective of a Self-Insured Employer

Authors:
  • SDSharon Dybicz
    Sharon Dybicz
  • HWHeidi C. Waters
    Heidi C. Waters
  • BSBruce Stuart
    Bruce Stuart
  • JSJustin Schaneman
    Justin Schaneman
  • ODOmar Dabbous
    Omar Dabbous
  • WEW Gary Erwin
    W Gary Erwin
  • AKAndrew Kersh
    Andrew Kersh
  • DBDelma Broussard
    Delma Broussard
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Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the incidence, prevalence, treatment patterns, disease severity, and direct costs associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) for claimants in health plans offered by a large self-insured employer in the United States. Retrospective analysis of medical claims with and without UC identified from a population of approximately 500,000 employees, retirees, and dependents. Costs for UC claimants were more than twice those for the comparator group ($14,486 vs $6158; P < 0.005). Total health care costs for the severe disease cohort were double those of the mild or moderate cohorts ($26,875 vs $12,154 and $12,731), as were inpatient costs ($13,516 vs $3235 and $2244). The annual incremental cost of treating severe disease was $6812 (P < 0.005) compared with mild UC. UC is a significant predictor of increased medical costs with severe disease, driven mainly by inpatient costs.

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