Direct medical costs attributable to acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke in cohorts with atherosclerotic conditions.

Background: The cost of acute ischemic events in persons with established atherosclerotic conditions is unknown.
Methods: The direct medical costs attributable to secondary acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or ischemic stroke among persons with established atherosclerotic conditions were estimated from 1995-1998 data on 1,143 patients enrolled in US managed care plans.
Results: The average 180-day costs attributable to secondary AMI or stroke were estimated as USD 19,056 in the AMI cohort having a private insurance (commercial; n = 344), USD 16,845 in the AMI cohort having government insurance (Medicare, age >/=65 years; n = 200), USD 10,267 for stroke commercial (n = 108), USD 16,280 for stroke Medicare (n = 113), USD 15,224 for peripheral arterial disease commercial (n = 170), and USD 15,182 for peripheral arterial disease Medicare (n = 208).
Conclusion: These estimates can be used to study the cost-effectiveness of interventions proven to reduce these secondary events.
(Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel)