Cost effectiveness and cost utility of the noncoding blood glucose meter CONTOUR(®) TS

AIMS: This study assessed the cost efficacy and cost utility of the automatic blood glucose meter CONTOUR(®) TS from the public payer (National Health Fund [NHF]) and payer (patient and NHF) perspectives over a 26-year analysis horizon. METHODS: Clinical effectiveness data were obtained from prior clinical studies of automatic versus manually coded blood glucose meters. Cost data were obtained from the NHF. The probability of procedure use related to diabetic complications was obtained from four medical centers in Poland. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio related to 1 life year gained and the incremental cost-utility ratio related to 1 quality-adjusted life year gained were calculated. RESULTS: Assuming co-funding from public funds, introduction of the CONTOUR(®) TS is associated with savings of Polish zloty (PLN) 31,846.19 (€ 8916.93) and PLN 113,018.19 (€ 31,645.09) per life year gained from the payer and public payer perspectives, respectively. Cost utility analyses showed that the CONTOUR(®) TS is associated with savings of PLN 40,465.59 (€ 11,330.37) and PLN 11,434.82 (€ 3201.75) per quality-adjusted life year gained from the payer and the public payer perspectives, respectively. CONCLUSION: The CONTOUR(®) TS appears superior to manually coded meters available in Poland both from the payer and the public payer perspectives and may represent an improved strategy for glycemic control.