Ostomy appliance prices in Europe.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to compare market prices (i.e., third-party reimbursement and patient co-payment) of one-piece and two-piece colostomy, ileostomy and ureterostomy appliances in Belgium, Denmark, England and the Netherlands in 2005. METHODS: Data were collected through contacts with health authorities, health insurance companies, manufacturers, industry associations and distributors. The price difference between Belgium and another country was expressed as a proportion of the Belgian price. RESULTS: A total of 64 out of the 72 ostomy appliance products considered were cheaper in Belgium. Prices of one-piece colostomy appliances and two-piece ileostomy appliances were consistently lower in Belgium. The highest prices of ostomy appliances were observed in the Netherlands. Sixteen out of 20 products and 21 out of 25 products were more expensive in Denmark and England, respectively, than in Belgium. Colostomy appliances were more expensive in England than in Belgium. CONCLUSIONS: Market prices varied substantially between countries, indicating that manufacturers adapt their pricing strategy to the policy environment existing in the ostomy appliance market of each country. Also, there appears to be scope for reducing prices in some countries.