Cost Comparisons between Home- and Clinic-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in High-Risk Young Women

Smith, Kenneth J.; Cook, Robert L.; Ness, Roberta B.

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/62467

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Research Article | Open Access

Volume 2007 | Article ID 062467 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/62467

Cost Comparisons between Home- and Clinic-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in High-Risk Young Women

Kenneth J. Smith,¹Robert L. Cook,²and Roberta B. Ness³

Received08 Aug 2007

Accepted15 Oct 2007

Published09 Dec 2007

Abstract

Home testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea increases screening rates, but the cost consequences of this intervention are unclear. We examined the cost differences between home-based and clinic-based testing and the cost-effectiveness of home testing based on the DAISY study, a randomized controlled trial. Direct and indirect costs were estimated for home and clinic testing, and cost-effectiveness was calculated as cost per additional test performed. In the clinic testing group, direct costs were $49/test and indirect costs (the costs of seeking or receiving care) were $62/test. Home testing cost was $25/test. We found that home testing was cost saving when all testing for all patients was considered. However cost savings were not seen when only asymptomatic tests or when patient subgroups were considered. A home testing program could be cost saving, depending on whether changes in clinic testing frequency occur when home testing is available.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2007 Kenneth J. Smith et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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