The economic burden of asthma: direct and indirect costs in Switzerland

Asthma mortality increased in Switzerland between 1980 and 1994, This study aimed to assess the economic burden of asthma in this country. Chart reviews were conducted for the last five patients seen for asthma in physician practices in 1996 and 1997, Direct expenditures and indirect cost s for asthma-related morbidity were determined, A total of 589 patient charts were completely analysed, including 117 child ren's charts, obtained from 120 office-based physicians, The annual direct medical costs mere CHF 1,778 and the mean annual indirect costs were CHF 1, 019 per patient for all patients. The total estimated cost of asthma in Swi tzerland in 1997 was nearly CHF 1,252 million. Direct medical expenditures approached CHF 762 million, or 61% of the total, In 1997, the indirect cost s for asthma were estimated to have exceeded CHF 490 million, Of these cost s CHF 123 million (25%) was associated with morbidity and nearly CHF 368 mi llion (75 %) was associated with looking after asthmatic patients who had t o be cared for at home. This study provides evidence that asthma is a major healthcare cost factor in Switzerland, amounting to approximately CHF 1,200 million per year. The data suggest that cost savings can be achieved by improving primary care fo r asthma in an ambulatory setting.