Abstract: SA-PO048
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Hemodialysis Patients Prescribed Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide and Other Phosphate Binders
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity: Other Research
November 04, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Zhou, Meijiao, Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Willetts, Joanna, Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Ficociello, Linda, Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Eneanya, Nwamaka D., Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Usvyat, Len A., Fresenius Medical Care Global Medical Office, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Background
Promoting health equity in the treatment of hemodialysis (HD) patients (pts) includes ensuring ready access to effective medications, regardless of an individual’s sociodemographic characteristics (SDC). One such medication is sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO), a brand-name phosphate binder (PB) that has demonstrated effectiveness in managing serum phosphorus with a lower pill burden. However, the cost of brand-name medication may limit its availability to certain pt populations. To address this issue, Velphoro Access Solution (VAS) was created as a program to explore available resources that make SO more accessible and affordable through the benefit investigation (BI) process. In 2022, > 56,000 BIs were submitted to VAS for Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC) pts. This study examines the SDC of HD pts prescribed SO and other PBs, to identify any disparities in SO access that may exist.
Methods
Adult HD pts from FKC with active prescription (Rx) of PBs (SO, ferric citrate, lanthanum carbonate, sevelamer, and calcium acetate) during 7/1/2022-12/31/2022 were included. Pts were divided into 2 groups: SO Rx (n=30,513) and other PB Rx (n=121,357). We described SDC such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and insurance status.
Results
20% of pts were prescribed SO. The average age of pts with SO Rx was 60, 4 years younger than those with other PB Rx. There was a 4% higher proportion of male (61% vs 57%) and African American (40% vs 36%) and 4% lower White (54% vs 58%) pts among those prescribed SO. The ethnic composition was similar in SO group and other PB group (Hispanic 18% vs 19%). A higher % of pts with commercial insurance (17% vs 14%) and Medicaid (47% vs 44%) but with lower % Medicare (34% vs 38%) were observed in those with SO compared to pts with other PB Rx.
Conclusion
In our analysis of FKC HD pts, we found a higher % of pts prescribed SO who were younger, male, African American, and insured by Medicaid or commercial coverage. Programs such as VAS may improve access and affordability of medications that are crucial for dialysis care.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Fresenius Medical Care