KMK Partners with Major Pharma Company in Recent RWE study analyzing MS treatment costs
(BPT) - People and their loved ones dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS) face many challenges. The disease can cause people’s immune systems to attack their myelin sheath, which covers nerve fibers and tissues between their brains and the rest of their bodies. Symptoms can vary from person to person and MS can disrupt nearly any nervous system function.
MS is still a prevalent disease in the 21st century. Between 400,000 and 500,000 people live with it in the U.S. today. And while some can keep their symptoms under control, others can experience relapses, which can often occur two years after diagnosis. These relapses can significantly reduce the quality of MS patients’ day-to-day lives and often require extensive medical treatment.
Because there is currently no cure, those living with MS must rely heavily on treatments to get by. Depending on the circumstances, treatment could include speech therapy, physical therapy and the use of several medications, including Glatopa, Avonex, Zeposia and Ocrevus.Patients and their families are often overwhelmed with the news of their diagnosis that they may not figure out what type of treatment they need. This is where health care providers can step in. However, they should back up their treatment suggestions using credible and transparent real-world data, collected by experts either through research or case studies.
MS patients face burdensome health care expenses
There are many options available for MS patients. However, prescriptions and medical care can be expensive, especially for those who have one or more relapses. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, as MS patients' disability levels increase, so do their medical bills. The average cost of mild MS disability care is around $30,000 annually.
In a recent study, Springer Link examined more than 8,000 MS patients. The participants were placed into three different groups based on the severity of their condition. Here's how they classified each group:
For the study, researchers analyzed each patient's total medical expenses, including hospital visits, medical appointments and prescription drugs. Their results show that out of the more than 8,000 MS patients studied, more than 2,000 experienced a relapse and that more than 20% of those relapses were severe.
From looking at the total costs incurred by patients in all categories, researchers found that:
For patients who didn't have a relapse, prescription medications were their biggest expense, accounting for more than half of their treatment costs. But for those who had severe relapses, medical costs were their most significant financial burden, accounting for more than half of their treatment expenses.
Springer Link found that patients who experienced relapses were the most likely to have expensive medical treatment. These costs can create substantial burdens for American families every year. Fortunately, they can address these issues before they occur by pursuing optimal preventative treatments.
For health care providers looking for MS treatments based on their patients’ and families’ needs, data or research studies from KMK Consulting can give them the data and research they need to make better decisions.
