Regional Differences in IVF Utilization Rates in Hungary in the Last Decade
Author(s)
Dalma Pónusz-Kovács, MSc1, Róbert Pónusz, MSc, PhD1, Luca F. Kajos, MSc1, Tímea Csákvári, MSc, PhD2, Bettina Kovács, MSc1, Kálmán Kovács, MD, Ph.D., Habil3, József Bódis, MD, Ph.D., Habil3, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD1;
1University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Pécs, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, 3University of Pécs, National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pécs, Hungary
1University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Pécs, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Insurance, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, 3University of Pécs, National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pécs, Hungary
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of infertility ranges widely, affecting around 186 million people worldwide. The annual increase in the utilization of IVF procedures worldwide has reached 7%. The aim of the study is to analyze the utilization of IVF in the publicly funded Hungarian healthcare system.
METHODS: The study database was obtained from National Hospital General Directorate, Pulvita Health Data Warehouse. During the research, the number of cases in inpatient care linked to IVF treatment was evaluated from 2010 to 2023. Further analyses were conducted related to the contribution of Hungarian hospitals in IVF interventions, moreover the territorial inequalities of the cases in a county breakdown was also assessed.
RESULTS: From 2019 the Hungarian state increased its involvement in the infertility treatment. Currently it is a public responsibility to provide the care. The average number of cases increased by 81% annually (12,812 cases) during the study period. The highest market share of IVF cases (23,722 cases; 18.6%,) was represented by the Dunamenti Reproduction Center. Between 2010 and 2023, 117 cases per 10,000 inhabitants were calculated nationally. The highest number of cases per 10,000 inhabitants was in Budapest (184 cases). The average age of patients reached its maximum in 2020 (36.22 years), but a discrete decrease was captured between 2021 and 2023. The preference for metropolitan institutions was shown by the fact that residents of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén (59.3%, 3,140 cases) and Heves (79.6%, 2,161 cases) counties, despite having to travel longer distances, typically received IVF treatment in a metropolitan institution, rather than their home of residency. Nearly 60% of all IVF cases were related to Budapest’s hospitals (56.8%).
CONCLUSIONS: Although a linear year-on-year increase in IVF cases could be identified, the previously existing significant territorial disparities persist. The infertility centers are predominantly concentrated in Budapest.
METHODS: The study database was obtained from National Hospital General Directorate, Pulvita Health Data Warehouse. During the research, the number of cases in inpatient care linked to IVF treatment was evaluated from 2010 to 2023. Further analyses were conducted related to the contribution of Hungarian hospitals in IVF interventions, moreover the territorial inequalities of the cases in a county breakdown was also assessed.
RESULTS: From 2019 the Hungarian state increased its involvement in the infertility treatment. Currently it is a public responsibility to provide the care. The average number of cases increased by 81% annually (12,812 cases) during the study period. The highest market share of IVF cases (23,722 cases; 18.6%,) was represented by the Dunamenti Reproduction Center. Between 2010 and 2023, 117 cases per 10,000 inhabitants were calculated nationally. The highest number of cases per 10,000 inhabitants was in Budapest (184 cases). The average age of patients reached its maximum in 2020 (36.22 years), but a discrete decrease was captured between 2021 and 2023. The preference for metropolitan institutions was shown by the fact that residents of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén (59.3%, 3,140 cases) and Heves (79.6%, 2,161 cases) counties, despite having to travel longer distances, typically received IVF treatment in a metropolitan institution, rather than their home of residency. Nearly 60% of all IVF cases were related to Budapest’s hospitals (56.8%).
CONCLUSIONS: Although a linear year-on-year increase in IVF cases could be identified, the previously existing significant territorial disparities persist. The infertility centers are predominantly concentrated in Budapest.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
HPR106
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Health Disparities & Equity, Insurance Systems & National Health Care, Reimbursement & Access Policy
Disease
SDC: Reproductive & Sexual Health