Ganzgenomsequenzierung in der deutschen Versorgung

Ökonomische Auswirkungen eines Einsatzes in ausgewählten Anwendungsgebieten

authored by: Marika Plöthner, Martin Frank, J. Matthias Graf von der Schulenburg
Abstract: Background: The diagnostic use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a growing issue in medical care. Due to limited resources in public health service, budget-impact analyses are necessary prior to implementation. Objective: A budget-impact analysis for WGS of all newborns and diagnostic investigation of tumor patients in different oncologic indications were evaluated. Methods: A cost analysis of WGS based on a quality-assured process chart for WGS at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, constitutes the basis for this evaluation. Data from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds and the Robert-Koch-Institute, Berlin, were used for calculations of specific clinical applications. Results and discussion: WGS in newborn screening leads to costs of € 2.85 bn and to an increase of total expenditure by 1.41%. Sequencing of all tumor patients would cost approximately € 0.84 bn, which corresponds to 0.42% of total expenditures. In all scenarios, the sole consideration of procedure costs results in increasing costs. However, in cost discussions potential savings (reduction of disease-related follow-up-costs, improved cost-effectiveness of medical measures etc.) should be considered. Such considerations are the subject of economic indication-specific evaluations. WGS has the potential to generate a large number of deterministic findings for which treatment options are limited. Hence, it is necessary to limit indications, in which WGS has proven medical evidence.
Organisation(s): Institute of Insurance Business Administration
Type: Article
Journal: Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz
Volume: 60
Pages: 143-150
No. of pages: 8
ISSN: 1436-9990
Publication date: 02.2017
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-016-2492-7 (Access: Closed)