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Explicit and implicit copayments for phototherapy: examining the cost of commuting.

Yentzer BA1, Gustafson CJ, Feldman SR.

Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Whereas phototherapy is a safe and cost-effective treatment modality for psoriasis, economic disincentives discourage its 

use, including both direct and indirect costs to the patient.

PURPOSE:

To determine when it may be cost-effective for patients to purchase a home light unit versus driving to clinic for outpatient 

phototherapy sessions.

METHODS:

Estimates of expenses associated with 3 months of outpatient phototherapy were determined and compared to the price of a home 

phototherapy unit. Factors examined included the cost of gasoline (based on the national average), fuel efficiency of the 

vehicle, cost of owning and operating a motor vehicle, lost wages, and copayments.

RESULTS:

The cost for a standard 6-bulb narrowband UVB home unit is approximately $2600. Direct and indirect expenses imposed on 

patients increase with distance travelled to the dermatologist. If a patient lives 20 or more miles away from the 

dermatologist, the expenses associated with travel can total more than the out of pocket expense of purchasing a home 

phototherapy unit.

LIMITATIONS:

This small analysis only accounted for the first 3 months of treatment and likely underestimates the total costs that 

patients would experience over a lifetime of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

It may be beneficial for physicians to educate patients on the cost-burden of in-office versus home phototherapy because 

patients can use these parameters to determine which option would be more cost-effective for them.

www.kerneluvb.com----The leader manufacturer of UV Phototherapy.