Disease Costs--Medical Technology Saves

Technology Saves (NAPSA)—Few people understand the enormous impact of chronic disease on the cost of health care. Keeping patients healthier longer through the use of advanced medical technology sounds more expensive but can actually help rein in costs down the road. Consider these statistics on the staggering cost of disease: e In 2002, the cost of diabetes in the U.S. was $132 billion. e The effects of osteoarthritis cost the U.S. economy $86billion. Unnecessary hospitalization from incorrect diagnosis of heart attack costs $12 billion annually. Innovative medical technologies provide real solutions for patients while helping to lower the overall cost of disease. For example: The cost effectiveness of insulin pump therapyfor diabetics compared with daily insulin injections is approximately $18,300 per life year saved. Total knee replacements save an average of $77,000 per patient in lifetime health care costs primarily due to reduced need for custodial care. Diagnostic tests for accurate, rapid detection of heart attack can reduce costs by approximately 30 percent. To learn more about how advanced medical technology is improving patient lives and providing real value to the health care system, “Get the Facts” at www.progressyoucansee.org.