OBJECTIVES

To calculate the direct payer costs associated with diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) in local settings and prepare MM direct costs base that could be used for decision making process at the level of regulatory bodies in Slovakia.

METHODS

: We performed the retrospective case-study analysis, conducted by using exact direct cost data from the database of major state owned General Health Insurance Company (Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovna, VšZP). We used the „bottom-up“ approach that helped us identify, quantify and value resources in a disaggregated way, so that each element of the cost was estimated individually and they were summed up at the end, similarly to our first research conducted previously. We calculated real direct costs for the model patient with MM from the diagnosis to death.

RESULTS

: Based on internal cost resources provided upon request from VšZP, we identified real direct costs associated with MM from the diagnosis till death (% from total direct costs, EUR 1 = USD 1.1332, European Central Bank): the diagnostics costs (incl. CT, MRI, blood tests) €21 481 (8,2%, $24 342), special medical procedures (incl. BMT) €23 120 (8,8%, $26 199), hospitalization €61 229 (23,4%, $69 384) and pharmacotherapy costs €155 645 (59,5%, $176 376). Total direct costs were €261 475 ($296 303).

CONCLUSIONS

: For the first time ever, we calculated and verified real direct costs associated with model patient with MM in Slovakia from diagnosis till death, thanks to cooperation with key stakeholder (VšZP). The key focus was on MM patients in productive age (average survival 4,5 years), that create almost 56% of all MM patients in Slovakia. Accuracy and reliability due to verification of direct cost data is very high and create important base for evaluation of existing and new innovations coming to MM segment.