A January 2004 study by Duke researchers found that "beta-blocker therapy improves the clinical outcomes of heart failure patients and is cost saving to society and Medicare." The study, which was written before enactment of the Medicare drug benefit, notes: "If medication costs were completely reimbursed by Medicare, program savings from beta-blocker therapy would remain positive." Looking more broadly, the researchers found that five years of treatment for heart failure without beta-blockers cost a total of $52,999. With beta-blockers added to treatment, total treatment costs fell by $3,959, patient survival increased by an average of about three-and-a-half months, and patients needed fewer overnight hospital stays.
A January 2004 study by Duke researchers found that "beta-blocker
therapy improves the clinical outcomes of heart failure patients
and is cost saving to society and Medicare." The study, which was
written before enactment of the Medicare...
More
PhRMA answered:A January 2004 study by Duke researchers found that "beta-blocker therapy improves the clinical outcomes of heart failure patients and is cost saving to society and Medicare." The study, which was written before enactment of the Medicare drug benefit, notes: "If medication costs were completely reimbursed by Medicare, program savings from beta-blocker therapy would remain positive." Looking more broadly, the researchers found that five years of treatment for heart failure without beta-blockers cost a total of $52,999. With beta-blockers added to treatment, total treatment costs fell by $3,959, patient survival increased by an average of about three-and-a-half months, and patients needed fewer overnight hospital stays.
