Background: Point-of-care (POC) devices allow to assess HbA1c results in a single visit and facilitates the physicians’ decision making for DM control. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of POC in comparison to standard laboratory (HPLC method) for HbA1c testing in Brazilian primary care.

Methods: A Markov model was developed in a 10-year time horizon for the perspective of the public health system. Effectiveness was assessed by the rate of HbA1c control after 6-months follow-up. Data were obtained from an ongoing cohort. Controlled and uncontrolled subjects were included in transition states for negative outcomes (cardiovascular diseases and complications). Probabilities and costs of transition states were extracted from a literature review.

Results: Estimated annual cost for patients monitored by HPLC was U.S. $4,884.92 (SD 629.46) for an effectiveness of 0.39. For those monitored by POC, cost and effectiveness were U.S. $5,960.64 (SD 2,514.00) and 0.91, respectively. The evolution of the net monetary benefit is presented in the chart below.

Conclusions: HbA1c tested by POC appears to be cost-effective in comparison with laboratory testing to improve glycemic control and prevent DM-related cardiovascular diseases and complications.

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Disclosure

D.S. Medeiros: None. L.S. Rosa: None. S. Mistro: None. C.N. Kochergin: None. D.A. Soares: None. K.O. Silva: None. J.A. Louzado: None. M.L. Cortes: None. V.M. Bezerra: None. W.W. Amorim: None. M.G. Oliveira: None.

Funding

Medtronic Foundation

© 2019 by the American Diabetes Association.
2019
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