Abstract: TH-PO284
Estimated Revenue Gains Associated with Relative Blood Volume Monitoring (RBV-M) in Hemodialysis (HD) Clinics: An Economic Model Using Real-World Data and a Case Size of 12 Medicare Incident Patients
Session Information
- Dialysis: Cost, Socioeconomics, Quality of Life
October 25, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Rosen, Melissa M., Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group (RTG), Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Li, Yisha, Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group (RTG), Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Ficociello, Linda, Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group (RTG), Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Balter, Paul, Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI), Oak Brook, Illinois, United States
- Mullon, Claudy, Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group (RTG), Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Kossmann, Robert J., Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group (RTG), Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Singer, Gary G., Midwest Nephrology Associates, Saint Peters, Missouri, United States
Background
There are over 100,000 new HD patients (pts) per year (USRDS). For these pts, the first 90 days following HD initiation are associated with elevated hospitalization and mortality rates, along with high healthcare costs. We conducted an economic analysis for incident HD pts using data from a fluid management (FM) quality improvement project (QIP) using RBV-M.
Methods
RBV-M was performed using Crit-Line® Monitors in 9 Renal Research Institute (RRI) Clinics. The QIP was associated with an average of 5.3 fewer hospital days and an estimated reduction of 2.5 missed treatments (txs) per year in incident HD pts (n=1068). Revenue gains from fewer missed txs were calculated using a cost minimization model from a facility level perspective. We assumed that HD clinics continuously served 12 Medicare incident pts with 2 monitors and disposable supplies associated with RBV-M. It was also assumed that pts received HD 3 times per week and HD txs were reimbursed at $350 per patient (i.e. standard Medicare reimbursement amount plus the onset of dialysis adjustment).
Results
Implementing a FM initiative with RBV-M has the potential to generate additional revenue from reducing 2.5 missed txs per year. This translated into gains of $2,048, annually per clinic (with 12 Medicare incident pts) in the implementation year, after accounting for the cost of the monitors and disposable supplies. Once the machines are paid for, either in the second year or if the clinic already owns monitors, annual gains are $6,048, including the cost of disposable supplies. These results do not include potential savings associated with averted hospitalizations or other benefits of the QIP.
Conclusion
RBV-M QI initiatives have the potential to reduce missed txs in incident pts and increase revenue in HD clinics. Assuming a reimbursement of $350 per dialysis treatment and 12 incident pts per clinic, potential revenue gains associated with RBV-M were found to be $2,048 in the start year and $6,048 in the year following implementation (or for clinics who already own monitors). Future cost-effectiveness studies of FM initiatives should consider the additional value gained from including prevalent HD pts who are also likely to benefit from RBV-M.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group