Cost Containment in the Colombian Health System Through Bioimpression Technology in Diabetic Foot Care
Author(s)
JUAN C. FERNANDEZ MERCADO, MBA, MSc, PhD, MD1, Nelson Alvis-Guzman, MPH, PhD, MD2, Lácides José Barrera C, Dr.3.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3ANNAR Health Technologies – Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3ANNAR Health Technologies – Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the economic impact of incorporating bioimpression technology into diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) management, focusing on cost containment for the Colombian health system. Colombia faces increasing financial pressure due to the high burden of chronic complications, particularly in subsidized regimes.
METHODS: We conducted a cost comparison analysis using data from IPSs in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Two patient cohorts (conventional DFU care vs. bioimpression-based care) were analyzed for total direct costs, frequency of complications, length of hospital stay, and use of advanced procedures (e.g., amputations). Costs were calculated using institutional tariffs and national reference prices under the SOAT and ISS frameworks.
RESULTS: Bioimpression implementation reduced the average cost per patient by 29%, primarily due to fewer hospital days, reduced infection-related interventions, and avoided amputations. The intervention also led to a 35% reduction in emergency visits and 21% in re-hospitalizations. In EPSs operating under capitation or bundled payment models, the strategy offered improved financial predictability and lower medical loss ratios.
CONCLUSIONS: Bioimpression-based care models for DFU patients are economically favorable for Colombia’s mixed public-private health system. This approach aligns with cost-efficiency strategies promoted by national authorities and offers a replicable model for chronic disease management in high-risk populations. Broader adoption could improve budgetary sustainability in both contributory and subsidized health regimes.
METHODS: We conducted a cost comparison analysis using data from IPSs in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Two patient cohorts (conventional DFU care vs. bioimpression-based care) were analyzed for total direct costs, frequency of complications, length of hospital stay, and use of advanced procedures (e.g., amputations). Costs were calculated using institutional tariffs and national reference prices under the SOAT and ISS frameworks.
RESULTS: Bioimpression implementation reduced the average cost per patient by 29%, primarily due to fewer hospital days, reduced infection-related interventions, and avoided amputations. The intervention also led to a 35% reduction in emergency visits and 21% in re-hospitalizations. In EPSs operating under capitation or bundled payment models, the strategy offered improved financial predictability and lower medical loss ratios.
CONCLUSIONS: Bioimpression-based care models for DFU patients are economically favorable for Colombia’s mixed public-private health system. This approach aligns with cost-efficiency strategies promoted by national authorities and offers a replicable model for chronic disease management in high-risk populations. Broader adoption could improve budgetary sustainability in both contributory and subsidized health regimes.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE160
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Technology Assessment, Medical Technologies
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), Infectious Disease (non-vaccine), Personalized & Precision Medicine