The Impact of Alteplase Coverage on Health Equity for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in the USA: A Distributional Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

A distributional cost-effectiveness analysis (DCEA) was conducted to evaluate how alteplase for acute ischemic stroke affected overall health and disparities in the USA.

Methods

Using an existing, published, cost-effectiveness analysis, a DCEA was developed from a US payer perspective. The population was divided into 25 equity-relevant subgroups based on race and ethnicity (5 census-based groups), and county-level social vulnerability index (quintiles). Inputs for stroke outcomes, incidence and alteplase utilization varied across subgroups. Opportunity costs were estimated by converting total spend on alteplase into quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) using an equal distribution across subgroups. Various scenarios explored the impact of health system changes to im

SUBMITTER: Majda T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12535935 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature