Davies S, Boller E, Beaubrun A, Miller C, Jensen I. A cost-consequence analysis of the Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV Plus for the diagnosis of viral respiratory infections from a US health plan perspective. Abstract ID309. AMP 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo.
Abstract
Introduction: Early, accurate detection and appropriate treatment of viral respiratory infection reduces downstream clinical sequelae and healthcare resource utilization (HRU). The objective of this cost-consequence model (CCM) is to demonstrate the clinico-economic impacts of implementing Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus (Xpert Xpress), a rapid turnaround PCR test for flu, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), compared to current testing strategies. Xpert Xpress is for use under an Emergency Use Authorization in the United States. Methods: A decision tree model with a one-year time horizon was used to compare the Xpert Xpress strategy (testing only with Xpert Xpress) to antigen testing strategies and send-out PCR testing strategies in terms of clinical outcomes, costs, and cost per clinical outcome. The model simulated a population of one million members, a portion of whom develop symptomatic influenza-like illnesses (ILI). The CCM considers testing costs, turnaround time, confirmatory testing, treatment stewardship, treatment costs, and HRU costs, which were informed by published literature and clinical expert opinion. Results: An estimated 203,548 patients were tested for ILI. In the Xpert Xpress strategy, 92% of patients with flu, 99% of patients with COVID-19, and 96% of patients with RSV were diagnosed and treated correctly. The numbers needed to test to prevent one additional inappropriate ILI treatment are 2.5 and 2.8 with Xpert Xpress alone compared to antigen and send-out PCR strategies, respectively. Testing with Xpert Xpress resulted in cost-savings of $31.2 million versus antigen strategies and $19.7 million savings versus send-out PCR strategies, in addition to improved rates of hospitalizations, ICU admissions, mechanical ventilations, and death. Key drivers of cost differences include treatment and testing costs. Conclusions: The Xpert Xpress test strategy provides accurate and rapid results, allowing for the provision of appropriate treatments. This efficiency results in fewer clinical consequences and healthcare costs related to undetected, untreated, and inappropriately treated viral infections.