Abstract
Introduction: This study evaluated pharmacoeconomic considerations, specifically drug cost and patient readmission rates, of the non-formulary agent paliperidone palmitate, within the Alegent Creighton Health system. Pharmacy reimbursement rates for paliperidone palmitate are better on an outpatient versus inpatient basis. Given the low reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric care and the high cost of paliperidone palmitate, the drug cost could be justified if patients who received the injection demonstrated a subsequent reduction in readmission.
Methods: The electronic medical record was used to identify patients who received at least one inpatient injection of paliperidone palmitate within the Alegent Creighton Health system from January 2010 – April 2012. Indication, dose, administration date, concurrent antipsychotics, length of stay (LOS), discharge date, and time to readmission were also recorded. Finance reports determined hospital cost and reimbursement for each inpatient stay and pharmacy cost of each paliperidone palmitate injection.
Results: Thirty-two patients received paliperidone palmitate during the period specified. The average LOS was 18 days. The readmission rates for the paliperidone palmitate patients versus all patients at our institution with a diagnosis related group (DRG) of psychosis were as follows: within 30 days, 22% vs 12.5%; 60 days, 15% vs 15%; and 90 days, 25% vs 18%, respectively. The hospital experienced a net loss of roughly $5,610 per stay for the patients studied and paliperidone palmitate alone constituted approximately 16% of the total hospital cost per each patient stay.
Discussion: In this limited patient population, it appears inpatient administration of paliperidone palmitate increased hospital cost without significantly reducing readmission rates at 30, 60, or 90 days post-injection. If patients are due for their monthly maintenance dose while hospitalized, the injection should be deferred to outpatient care if discharge is anticipated within one week since product labeling states maintenance injections can be given seven days after the monthly due date and outpatient reimbursement for the drug is superior.