Majority of Physicians are Most Concerned About Lack of Reimbursement for Vascular Catheter-Associated Infections, According to a New Report from Decision Resources WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 3
WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the
world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare
issues, finds that the Medicare Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative will
have a significant impact on antibiotic prescribing and infection control
practices for hospital-acquired infections. The new Physician & Payer Forum
report Hospital Anti-Infectives: Insights on the Impact of Medicare Reforms,
Formulary Inclusion, and Uptake of Novel Antibiotics and Antifungals finds
that approximately one-third of surveyed physicians expect to increase their
use of antibiotic prophylaxis to help prevent the development of
hospital-acquired infections.
According to the report, surveyed physicians are highly concerned about
Medicare's decision to reduce reimbursement of the costs of treating certain
hospital-acquired infections. Following the implementation of the new
initiative in the United States on October 1, 2008, Medicare will no longer
cover the additional costs of treating ten conditions acquired during a
hospital stay, including vascular catheter-associated infections,
catheter-associated urinary tract infections and surgical site infections
following certain elective procedures. The report finds that 62 percent of
infectious disease specialists and 73 percent of critical care specialists are
most concerned about Medicare's decision to no longer reimburse the cost of
treating vascular catheter-associated infections.
"Physicians we surveyed are concerned about the lack of Medicare
reimbursement for vascular catheter-associated infections," said Danielle
Drayton, Ph.D., director at Decision Resources. "Many physicians indicate
these changes will prompt them to increase their prescribing of carbapenems
and anti-MRSA therapies, most notably Cubist's Cubicin and Pfizer's Zyvox."
The report finds that, in the wake the Medicare HAC Initiative, infectious
disease and critical specialists expect to rely more heavily on antibiotics in
some form (e.g., prophylaxis, empiric use) to prevent and manage the treatment
of hospital acquired infections. Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee members,
however, expect greater emphasis on antibiotic oversight and
cost-effectiveness.
Hospital Anti-Infectives: Insights on the Impact of Medicare Reforms,
Formulary Inclusion, and Uptake of Novel Antibiotics and Antifungals is based
on a U.S. survey of 50 infectious disease specialists, 51 critical care
specialists, and 22 infectious disease specialists who are also Pharmacy and
Therapeutic Committee members of their hospital. Their responses were compared
to assess similarities and differences of opinion regarding clinical,
economic, and scientific factors.
About Decision Resources
Decision Resources (www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in market
research publications, advisory services, and consulting designed to help
clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master their chosen markets.
Decision Resources is a Decision Resources, Inc. company.
About Decision Resources, Inc.
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best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the
healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed
decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at
www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.
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For more information, contact:
Decision ResourcesDecision Resources, Inc.
Christopher Comfort Elizabeth Marshall
781-296-2597 781-296-2563
ccomfort@dresources.com emarshall@dresources.com
SOURCE Decision Resources
