Source
Division of Health Policy, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
Abstract
AIM:
To model clinical and economic benefits of capsule endoscopy (CE) compared to ileo-colonoscopy and small bowel follow-through (SBFT) for evaluation of suspected Crohn's disease (CD).
METHODS:
Using decision analytic modeling, total and yearly costs of diagnostic work-up for suspected CD were calculated, including procedure-related adverse events, hospitalizations, office visits, and medications. The model compared CE to SBFT following ileo-colonoscopy and secondarily compared CE to SBFT for initial evaluation.
RESULTS:
Aggregate charges for newly diagnosed, medically managed patients are approximately $8295. Patients requiring aggressive medical management costs are $29,508; requiring hospitalization, $49,074. At sensitivity > 98.7% and specificity of > 86.4%, CE is less costly than SBFT.
CONCLUSION:
Costs of CE for diagnostic evaluation of suspected CD is comparable to SBFT and may be used immediately following ileo-colonoscopy.