Cost-effectiveness Improves for Operative Versus… : Spine
Background. A prior cost-effectiveness analysis of the current cohort comparing Op to Non-Op care at 5 years after enrollment showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $44,033 in the as-treated analysis and an ICER of $27,480 in the intent-to-treat analysis. Materials and Methods. Data were collected every 3 months for the first 2 years, and then every 6 months for the remainder of the study. Data included the use of Non-Op modalities, medications, and employment status. Costs for index and revision surgeries and Non-Op modalities were determined using Medicare Allowable rates. Medication costs were determined using the RedBook and indirect costs were calculated based on reported employment status and income. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were determined using the Short Form–6 Dimensions. Results. There were 101 cases in the Op and 103 in the Non-Op group with complete 8-year data. Thirty-eight patients (37%) in the Non-Op group had surgery from 3 to 72 months afte
