In a study conducted in the database of a large commercial healthcare insurer, we previously demonstrated that use of a commercial pharmacogenetic assay for individuals with mood disorders was associated with decreased resource utilization and cost in the 6 month period following use compared to propensity-score matched controls. We conducted a post hoc analysis to understand variables associated with high cost savings.

The results and methods of the initial study have previously been described. Cases were individuals with mood and anxiety disorders who received a commercial pharmacogenetic assay (Genomind, King of Prussia PA) to inform pharmacotherapy. 817 tested individuals (cases) with mood and/or anxiety disorders were matched to 2745 controls. Overall costs were estimated to be $1,948 lower in the tested group. The differences were largely the result of lesser emergency room and inpatient utilization for cases. In the present analysis, cost difference for cases compared to their matched controls was rank ordered by decile. High cost savers were arbitrarily defined a priori as the top 20% of savers. Using multivariable modeling techniques, an ordinal logistic regression model was generated in which baseline or follow-up variables were statistically tested for independent associations with high, low, and no cost savings.

606 (74%) of cases were net cost savers compared to their controls (cost difference <0). High cost savers (n=121) saved on average $10,690 compared to their matched controls. They were statistically more likely to have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n=33/121) than low cost savers (n=57/485) or non-savers (n=31/211), and had a lower Charlson Comorbidity index. High cost savers had fewer mean number of antidepressants in the baseline period (mean=3.16) compared to non-savers (3.73) but more than low cost savers (2.72) (p<0.05 across groups). In a multivariable model, bipolar, count of antidepressants, outpatient visits, and inpatient visits were statistically associated with being a high cost saver; antidepressant count and all-cause inpatient and outpatient visits in the baseline period were inversely associated with cost savings.

Use of a pharmacogenetic assay was associated with cost-savings in the database of a large commercial insurer. Patients with bipolar disorder were more likely to be high cost savers than individuals with other mood and anxiety disorders.

Genomind