Mario Audie Sasongko
Makati Medical Center
Philippines
Title: A cost benefit analysis of ROP screening at an urban tertiary Hospital in Makati city, Philippines
Biography
Biography: Mario Audie Sasongko
Abstract
Objective: To preform a cost benefit analysis of the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening done in the setting of an urban tertiary hospital in comparison to a hypothetical screening based on the Philippine Retinopathy of Prematurity screening guidelines. Methods: The direct cost of ROP screening and treatment was determined by reviewing data retrospectively from infants admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Makati Medical Center (MMC). The indirect cost of severe visual impairment was estimated from currently published Philippine economic data. Progression probabilities were estimated based on MMC census and previously published literature. Results: Retinopathy of prematurity screening was found to be cost beneficial with a benefit cost ratio of 38.58. The net benefit, which is the difference of benefit and cost, is estimated at PHP 583,952 (USD 13,166). Conclusion: Screening for retinopathy of prematurity is cost beneficial despite the wide criterion, high costs incurred, and in the setting of an urban tertiary hospital where financing is largely out-of-pocket.