OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and severe type of interstitial lung diseases. Low 5-year survival rate, significant deterioration of physical activity and low health-related quality of life are some of its consequences, while the management of the disease is considered costly. Purpose of the present analysis is the estimation of the IPF cost in Greece.

METHODS: The analysis was based on self-administered questionnaires, which included questions concerning current prescribed medication (substance and dosage), frequency of visits to the treating physicians, laboratory tests and hospitalizations. Questionnaires were collected anonymously by the treating physicians upon patient informed consent. Cost calculations were performed from a third payer perspective (direct costs only) and refer to year 2016.

RESULTS: Overall, 123 IPF patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 71.23 years (SD=7.104). Mean annual direct cost of IPF was estimated at 22,574.20€ (SD=9,606.17€) per patient, primarily driven by the cost of medications (97.80%) and followed by hospitalizations (1.52%), laboratory tests (0.35%) and physician visits (0.33%). Also, 45.0% of the patients stated that they partially participated to their medical expenses concerning IPF, while 2.7% paid the overall expenses on their own.

CONCLUSIONS: The management of IPF imposes a high economic burden compared to other chronic conditions on both the health system and the patients in Greece. The cost of IPF highlights the necessity to improve the disease management in order to avoid unnecessary expenditures and the insurance coverage in order to secure equal patient access in both the health care services and in outcomes.