A significant reduction in costs for the long-term care of ventilator-dependent patients is one of the advantages of the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System over a mechanical ventilator.
Although there is an initial cost outlay for the surgical implants of the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System, the system can pay for itself in less than a year. Indeed, the patient no longer needs to reside in an ICU hospital setting. In addition, other operating costs associated with mechanical ventilation are either reduced substantially or eliminated altogether.
According to a study published in the journal Spinal Cord [1], diaphragm pacing costs about 90% less than the comparable costs for keeping a patient on a positive-pressure ventilator (PPV). That’s a savings of up to $20,000 per year. In 3-4 years the diaphragm pacing system can pay for itself with the cost savings! If a hospital admission or two is avoided (from ventilator-induced pneumonia, for example), the diaphragm pacing system can pay for itself in even less time.
WHERE DOES THE COST-SAVINGS OF DIAPHRAGM PACING COME FROM?
Less disposable equipment — A patient utilizing the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System with a plugged or omitted tracheostoma does not need respiratory tubes, filters, or suction catheters. Less equipment = less money.
Lower risk of respiratory infection – Diaphragm pacing patients are at much lower risk of upper airway infections due to the reduction in suctioning and potential elimination of external humidifier, ventilator circuits, and tracheostomy tube. Fewer upper airway infections means fewer expensive hospital stays.
Insurance Reimbursment — Avery Diaphragm Pacing Systems are approved by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services for Medicare reimbursement and by most private and government insurance plans throughout the world.
CONTACT US
Contact Avery Biomedical Devices to learn more about the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System and its cost-saving benefits compared to traditional mechanical ventilation.
THE AVERY DIAPHRAGM PACING SYSTEM SYSTEM
The Avery Diaphragm Pacing System System is the only diaphragm-pacing system with full pre-market approval from the USFDA and CE marking privileges under the European Active Implantable Medical Device Directive for both adult and pediatric use. In addition, its system of using small implanted radiofrequency receivers rather than electrode wires that pass directly through the skin may decrease a patient’s risk of infection and ongoing wound care management issues.
