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Neil Jordan, PhD1, Marion Becker, RN, PhD2, Paul Stiles, JD, PhD3, Carlos Santana, MD4, and Nancy Lemrow, MA1. (1) Dept of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, (2) Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Department of Mental Health, Law & Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC 2735, Tampa, FL 33612-3899, (813)974-7188, becker@fmhi.usf.edu, (3) Florida Mental Health Institute / Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, (4) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, 3515 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
Background: Several research studies have evaluated the cost-effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics relative to conventional antipsychotic medications with mixed results. The data used in these analyses have been primarily limited to direct medical costs. This study’s objective is to understand the relationship between antipsychotic medication use and health service, criminal justice, and employment outcomes, and the costs associated with those outcomes, after controlling for pre-existing characteristics.
Methods: Our sample includes all Florida Medicaid non-elderly, adult beneficiaries during 1999-2000 with a schizophrenia diagnosis, continuous enrollment in Medicaid, not enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan, and not living in a nursing home. Using an intent-to-treat model, study subjects were divided into 4 medication groups based upon their antipsychotic medication use patterns: atypical antipsychotics only, conventional antipsychotics only, both atypical and typical, no antipsychotic use. Florida Medicaid and state mental health authority data were used to identify all hospital, emergency room, crisis stabilization, and pharmacy service use. Medicaid data were used to identify demographic characteristics. Other administrative datasets were used to capture arrest, prison, and employment status data. Standard unit prices were used to calculate cost of services.
Results: Total health services costs, criminal justice costs, and social costs will be presented and contrasted by antipsychotic medication group. The relative cost-effectiveness of atypical medications for persons with schizophrenia will also be reported.
Implications: Because the effective treatment of schizophrenia potentially leads to non-medical benefits, it is important to consider these potential benefits when assessing the cost-effectiveness of treatment with antipsychotic medications.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Cost Issues, Prescription Drug Use Patterns
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.