Uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata: Resource use and cost estimation

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to provide an assessment of the facility cost associated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyomata and to provide a basis for the estimation of cost so as to compare UAE with surgical approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information was gathered from the clinical/accounting system for 23 patients who had UAE performed at a single institution. Cost-to-charge ratios and microcosting were employed to derive cost estimates. A detailed meta-analysis was also performed on the resource use parameters reported in the literature. RESULTS: Facility costs range from $2,058 to $4,951 and the mean total cost is $3,080. The radiology procedure and observation stay are the largest contributors to facility cost. The average length of stay is 21.5 hours with a range from 8 hours to 48 hours. The estimates from this analysis provide a good approximation of facility cost; there are no significant differences in resource use between this study and the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The facility cost of UAE ($3,080) compares favorably with hysterectomy, the cost of which ranges from $3,100 to $4,900 depending on the type of procedure performed. This cost information can be used to analyze the cost effectiveness of UAE compared to alternate therapies.