The economic benefit of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Analysis by Jack Buan, 2023
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a pervasive and often undiagnosed sleep disorder that poses significant implications for both individual health and healthcare expenditures. GEM SLEEP's analysis delves into the intricate landscape of the total cost of care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, unraveling the economic intricacies associated with both untreated and treated cases. The untreated trajectory of OSA not only inflicts a toll on the affected individuals' well-being but also imposes a substantial economic burden on the healthcare system. In contrast, exploring the costs affiliated with effectively managing and treating sleep apnea provides insights into the potential savings and improved quality of life that can result from timely interventions. This examination, based on existing literature, aims to shed light on the comprehensive financial considerations tied to OSA.
The attached image shows 2 figures; The first graph, 'Summary of PMPM Medical Spend', highlights the year 1 and year 2 comparison of untreated and treated cases of sleep apnea showcasing significant decreases in spend. Graph 2, 'Annual Individual Economic Cost of Co-morbid Conditions Associated with OSA', displays how quickly the dollars can add up when examining the co-morbid conditions that often present adding to both the individual's and the healthcare system's total cost of care.
In seeking to further validate the claim that CPAP therapy will reduce overall spend, we sought out case studies that would showcase our hypothesis. A study from the Union Pacific Railroad Employees Health System analyzed the claims of 22,000 members in an effort to show the effectiveness on an education campaign for sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Of those 22k members, 11,000 were diagnosed with OSA and 54.3% of the diagnosed population utilized CPAP therapy. After the completion of their analysis, their results showed significant reductions in inpatient hospital admissions, a $200+ PMPM savings inclusive of cost for PAP therapy, and $4.5M in overall savings during the study period. Their findings suggested that an SDB education campaign can improve health care outcomes and reduce medical expenses.
References:
https://jcsm.aasm.org
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.00613https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/endo-2019-news-cpap-machine-improves-weight-loss-in-dieting-adults-with-obesity-sleep-apnea/https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.107.094011
https://aasm.org/risk-of-motor-vehicle-accidents-is-higher-in-people-with-sleep apneahttps://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/07/12/cpap-machines-for-sleep-apnea-could-decrease-heart-failure-riskhttps://aasm.org/cpap-improves-glycemic-control-in-type-2-diabetics-with-sleep-apnea/
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/43/4/751/35745
https://aasm.org/cpap-therapy-reduces-symptoms-of-depression-in-adults-with-sleep-apnea/
Clinical Consequences and Costs of Untreated Sleep Apnea
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GEM SLEEP CUSTOMER
Fantastic experience! The best benefit is the at-home approach to understanding your sleep needs in your own space...The diagnosis phase was so easy to do, with no fuss, and I could do the study in my own bed. So much better than the uneasy clinic sleepover. The results didn't make me happy - I still have sleep apnea, but the process had lowered my hesitancy, and I was willing to try the new automated PAP machine with the nasal pillow headset that fits only under your nose. WOW! What a difference... GEM has it figured out.
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gem sleep customer
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