THE ECONOMIC-IMPACT OF ALS

ALS is a progressive degenerative neuromuscular disease for which ther e is no known cause, treatment, or cure. The steady disease progressio n of muscle weakness eventually causes paralysis, disabling the patien t. Day-to-day patient care and management most frequently fall to fami ly members. The resultant financial burden can be enormous. We review financial issues related to the diagnosis, management of disease progr ession, and issues of life support. Cost-effective solutions are discu ssed. It is believed the key to reduction of costs is education of the health care community, patients and families, and third-party payers.