OBJECTIVES:To estimate the annual direct medical cost among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), other kidney disease (OKD) and no kidney disease using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) 2012-2015 dataset.

METHODS:Adults (>18 years) with CKD and OKD conditions were identified using the ICD-9 and Clinical Classification Codes. Mean direct medical expenditures were estimated using a two-part model and were adjusted for relevant covariates such as demographics and comorbidities. Data was analyzed using SAS version 9.4.

RESULTS: Of the 105,523 adults identified from 2012-2015 MEPS dataset, 335 (0.32%), 2197 (2.08%) and 102,991 (97.60%) individuals had CKD, OKD and no kidney disease respectively. CKD was more likely among females and Non-Hispanic Blacks, while OKD was more likely among males and Non-Hispanic Whites. CKD and OKD were both more likely among individuals above 65 years of age, widowed/divorced/single, having less than high school education, being publicly insured and residing in Midwest. Most of the CKD and OKD individuals suffered from hypertension, arthritis and joint pain. Approximately 54% of the individuals suffering from CKD had diabetes, whereas approximately 28% of individuals with OKD had diabetes. Weighted mean direct expenditure for the pooled sample was found to be $34,606, $15,821 and $4132 for CKD, OKD and no kidney disease respectively. After adjusting for relevant demographic and co-morbidity covariates, CKD and OKD had $19,736 and $5,913 higher yearly expenditures respectively as compared to no kidney disease individuals.

CONCLUSIONS:Adults with CKD and OKD had significantly higher costs compared to individuals with no kidney disease. Medical expenses associated with CKD and OKD are significant contributors of the financial burden in the healthcare system.