OBJECTIVES: Stroke is the major cause of disability worldwide imposing heavy financial burden on patients and health systems. This study aims to estimate stroke cost according to type and severity of stroke using the Health Benefit Schedule (SUT) and Ministry of Health (MoH) pharmaceutical price list among geographical distributions in Turkey.

METHODS: The study consists of five phases. Resources used in stroke management was determined with the opinions of experienced neurologist. In the first phase, examination, diagnostic tests, consultations, emergency admission, hospitalization, intensive care support, physical therapy and drugs used were listed as outpatient and inpatient. After listing resources, utilization rates and frequencies were determined according to stroke type and severity. Stroke was classified as ischemic and hemorrhagic, each of which was sub-classified as mild, moderate and severe to calculate treatment costs. In the second phase, resource utilization rates and frequencies for each sub-class were determined by clinician. In the third phase, treatment costs were calculated based on reimbursed prices according to 2021 SUT and MoH price lists. In the fourth phase, overall stroke treatment cost was calculated by associating all sources with public prices. At the last phase, validation study was performed by granting confirmation from experienced neurologists in 5 universities. Finally, weighted average cost of stroke treatment was calculated according to incidence rate of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

RESULTS: The mean annual cost of stroke treatment in Turkey was $1,351 for ischemic stroke (mild: $648, moderate: $1,450, severe: $2,961) and $2,199 for hemorrhagic stroke (mild: $622, moderate: $1,670, severe: $2,937). The weighted mean cost according to the incidence rates was $1,478.

CONCLUSIONS: Cost of stroke varies among countries due to the heterogeneity of healthcare systems. Length of hospital stay and severity of stroke appear to be major determinants of treatment costs.