Reduced Costs, Hospitalizations for COPD With Noninvasive Ventilation

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic respiratory failure who use noninvasive ventilation at home had lower costs and hospitalization rates compared with those who used a bilevel positive airway pressure device (BPAP) or no home ventilation support, according to a study commissioned by VieMed, a postacute home respiratory services provider.

KPMG, a global audit, tax, and advisory firm, conducted the study. Analysts used 4 years of data from the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to examine the costs and benefits of BPAP, noninvasive ventilation, and no home ventilation support for patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure.

Over a 6-month period, Medicare costs for patients with no home ventilation support were $41,000, $39,000 for patients using a BPAP, and $29,000 for patients using noninvasive ventilation combined with a high-touch home care model, VieMed reported in a press release. A high-touch home care model includes home visits by certified respiratory therapists, 24-hour access to healthcare professionals, and enhanced coordination among clinicians.

Hospitalization rates over 6 months were 25% among patients with no home ventilation support, 26% among patients using a BPAP at home, and less than 20% among patients receiving noninvasive ventilation at home and high-touch home care.

The study also found a lower mortality rate among patients using noninvasive ventilation or a BPAP at home compared to patients without a home respiratory device. The mortality rate with no treatment was 38%, VieMed reported, compared with 22% among patients receiving noninvasive ventilation.

“The evidence is clear,” said VieMed CEO Casey Hoyt in the press release. “Using a noninvasive ventilator at home coupled with a high-touch home care model saves lives, saves money, and keeps patients out of the hospital. It is time for both medical practice and health insurers, including Medicare, to catch up with changes in technology.”

—Jolynn Tumolo

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