Economic Burden of Osteoporosis-Related Fractures in the US Medicare Population. Issue 7 (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Setareh A.; Daigle, Shanette G.; Weiss, Richard; Wang, Yamei; Arora, Tarun; Curtis, Jeffrey R.
• Is Part Of: Annals of pharmacotherapy. Volume 55:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 821
• Page End: 829
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: osteoporosis -- fracture -- Medicare -- male -- cost; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1177/1060028020970518
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1060-0280

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis-related fractures are an important public health burden. Objective: To examine health care costs in Medicare patients with an osteoporosis-related fracture. Methods: Medicare fee-for-service members with an osteoporosis-related fracture between January 1, 2010, to September 30, 2014 were included. A nonfracture comparator group was selected by propensity score matching. Generalized linear models using a gamma distribution were used to compare costs between fracture and nonfracture cohorts. Results: A total of 885 676 Medicare beneficiaries had fracture(s) and met inclusion criteria. Average age was 80.5 (±8.4) years; 91% were White, and 94% female. Mean all-cause costs were greater in the fracture vs nonfracture cohort ($47 163.25 vs $16 034.61) overall and for men ($52 273.79 vs $17 352.68). The highest mean costs were for skilled nursing facility ($29 216), inpatient costs ($24 190.19), and hospice care ($20 996.83). The highest incremental costs versus the nonfracture cohort were for hip ($71 057.83 vs $16 807.74), spine ($37 543.87 vs $16 860.49), and radius/ulna ($24 505.27 vs $14 673.86). Total medical and pharmacy costs for patients who experienced a second fracture were higher compared with those who did not ($78 137.59 vs $44 467.47). Proportionally more patients in the fracture versus nonfracture cohort died (18% vs 9.3%), with higher death rates among men (20% vs 11%). Conclusion and Relevance: The current findings suggest a significant economic burden associated with fractures. Early identification and treatment of patients at high risk for fractures is of paramount importance for secondary prevention and reduced mortality.