Analysis of the Territorial Disparities in Hungarian in Vitro Fertilization Treatment

OBJECTIVES: In a worldwide context, approximately 12% -17% of couples of reproductive age experience unwanted childbearing. The high prevalence of infertility has led to an increasing demand for assisted reproductive techniques (ART), of which in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most widely used. The aim of this study is to analyze the territorial inequalities and the patient pathway with IVF procedures in the publicly funded health care system in Hungary.

METHODS: During the research, a database analysis was conducted related to the IVF interventions performed in the publicly funded health care system in Hungary. The study database included DRG codes (6530, 6540, 6550,6560,6580) associated with IVF cases, the number of patients and number of cases, the county of residence of the patients, and the name, type and county of the health care institution providing the care. The study database was provided by the National Health Insurance Fund Administration and covered the period 2010-2023.

RESULTS: Between 2010-2023, 126,186 cases were registered in publicly funded health care. There are a total of 13 health facilities providing IVF interventions in the country, located in 5 counties and the capital. The spatial distribution of cases varied. In Budapest, 98% of patients were treated in their place of residence (n=31,423). Health care institutions in the capital play an important role in the provision of IVF cases, with a market share of 71% (n=89,633). In addition, the number of IVF cases was typically recorded in counties where a university clinical center is located (n=22,057).

CONCLUSIONS: A significant disparity can be identified in the number of IVF cases in Hungary. The number of infertility centers in the capital is significant, with the capital having a significant patient attraction capacity and a higher proportion of patients from other counties (more than 85%).