16 Aug Medicaid Patients May Not Have Access to IVIG for Autoimmune Blistering Diseases
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Kyle T. Amber, MD
Department of Dermatology
UC Irvine Health
Irvine, CA 92697-2400
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The use of IVIg has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be safe and highly effective in the treatment of both pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid. Despite its efficacy, its cost remains a deterrent to its use. Cost studies in the United States point towards IVIg being an overall cost-saving therapy in the treatment of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases when compared to traditional immunosuppressive treatment due to the decrease in associated infections, complications, and hospitalizations.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: We herein demonstrate that while IVIg is overall accessible to patients with Autoimmune Blistering Diseases covered with private insurance or with Medicare, patients on Medicaid are often limited in their ability to receive coverage for IVIg.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Further cost analyses are needed.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on August 16, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD