Viscosupplementation Injection Cost Explained

July 4, 2024

Demystify viscosupplementation injection cost, explore its benefits and insurance coverage aspects.

Understanding Viscosupplementation

In the realm of knee treatments, viscosupplementation has emerged as a cost-effective and safe option for managing knee osteoarthritis. This section will provide an introduction to viscosupplementation and highlight its benefits.

Introduction to Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure involving the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) into a joint. This treatment is often used in the management of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee. The purpose of the procedure is to supplement the viscosity of the joint fluid, thereby improving joint function and reducing pain.

Notably, viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc-One®) and hylan G-F 20 has been recognized as a cost-effective treatment in comparison to NSAIDs and acetaminophen in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) below €25,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) for both knee and hip treatments [1].

Benefits of Viscosupplementation

Intra-articular HA injections, a form of viscosupplementation, provide a number of benefits for knee osteoarthritis patients. Studies have shown that these injections offer a moderate symptomatic benefit without major safety concerns.

Benefits of viscosupplementation include:

Significant improvements in knee pain and function that can persist for up to 26 weeks compared to other treatment modalities.
Effective and safe repeat courses that can maintain or further improve pain reduction without increased safety risk.
Statistically significant improvement in knee pain and function compared to intra-articular corticosteroid or intra-articular placebo injections [5].

By offering one of the best benefit/risk ratios among pharmacologic options, viscosupplementation can delay the time to total knee replacement (TKR) for many patients.

In conclusion, viscosupplementation is a viable and beneficial treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. It offers pain relief, improved function, and a high safety profile, making it a key part of the conversation around knee osteoarthritis management.

Cost Analysis of Viscosupplementation

Understanding the financial expectations of any medical procedure is essential. With viscosupplementation, there are several aspects to consider, including insurance coverage and the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

Insurance Coverage for Viscosupplementation

Most insurance plans cover a Synvisc-One injection, a popular type of viscosupplementation treatment. However, many insurers require that you obtain Synvisc-One directly from your doctor. Some plans, such as Medicare, may not cover the cost if your doctor writes you a prescription for Synvisc-One. It is thus strongly recommended to check with your insurer prior to receiving a prescription.

Cost-Effectiveness of Viscosupplementation

A study published on PubMed Central revealed that viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc-One®) and hylan G-F 20 is a cost-effective treatment compared to NSAIDs and acetaminophen in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis in Italy. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) below €25,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) for both knee and hip treatments.

Furthermore, another study compared the cost-effectiveness of stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) in a single injection versus standard hyaluronic acid (HA) in five injections for knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study found that NASHA was more effective in reducing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score and the need for analgesia at Week 26 compared to HA injections. In addition, the economic analysis showed that the overall treatment cost was higher with HA injections.

Treatment Type	Total Cost
HA (5 injections)	167 euros
NASHA (1 injection)	152 euros

The results of the cost-utility analysis revealed that a single-injection combined corticosteroid-hyaluronic acid formulation for knee osteoarthritis may be cost-effective for symptomatic relief, assuming a willingness-to-pay of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.

As the viscosupplementation injection cost continues to be a significant factor for patients considering this treatment, it's crucial to discuss with healthcare providers about the most cost-effective options.

Types of Viscosupplementation Injections

When considering viscosupplementation as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis, it's critical to understand the different types of injections available, their effectiveness, and their cost.

Comparison of Injection Types

Two prevalent types of viscosupplementation injections used for knee osteoarthritis treatment are Hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc-One®) and stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). Both types of injections serve the purpose of replacing the lost synovial fluid in the knee joint, thus providing lubrication and cushioning. The choice between these two options can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient's preference, and the recommendation of the healthcare provider.

In addition, another type of injection is standard hyaluronic acid (HA), typically administered through a series of injections. The effectiveness and cost of these treatments can vary, making it essential for patients to discuss all options thoroughly with their doctor.

Efficacy and Cost of Different Injections

Research indicates that viscosupplementation with Hylan G-F 20 is a cost-effective treatment compared to NSAIDs and acetaminophen in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis, showing ICERs below €25,000 per QALY for both knee and hip treatments.

A study comparing the cost-effectiveness of NASHA in a single injection versus standard HA in five injections found that NASHA was more effective in reducing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score and the need for analgesia at Week 26 compared to HA injections. Moreover, the economic analysis showed that the overall treatment cost was higher with HA injections [7].

The total cost of each infiltration procedure was 11.80 euros. Treatment with HA required five injections, resulting in a total cost of 167 euros. On the other hand, the overall treatment with NASHA was 152 euros.

Patients treated with NASHA showed a significant reduction in medication (paracetamol) after infiltration compared to HA-treated patients at Week 26. Moreover, the study found a statistically significant improvement in the WOMAC score for patients treated with NASHA versus those who received HA at Week 26 [7].

Injection Type	Cost per Session (€)	Total Cost (€)	WOMAC Score Improvement
HA	11.80	167 (for 5 sessions)	Lower
NASHA	11.80	152 (single session)	Higher

The viscosupplementation injection cost and the efficacy of the treatment are vital aspects to consider when choosing the most suitable option for knee osteoarthritis treatment. By understanding the different types of injections and their associated costs, patients can make an informed decision that best suits their condition and financial situation.

Clinical Studies on Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is an emerging procedure, and thus, clinical studies play a crucial role in understanding its efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and potential benefits for patients. This section will delve into study results focusing on hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, and the impact on patient outcomes and pain reduction.

Study Results on HA Injections

Several studies have focused on the cost-effectiveness of HA injections in treating knee and hip osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc-One®) and hylan G-F 20 has been identified as a cost-effective treatment compared to NSAIDs and acetaminophen. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) below €25,000 per Quality-Adjusted Life-Year (QALY) for both knee and hip treatments.

Another study compared the cost-effectiveness of stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) in a single injection versus standard hyaluronic acid (HA) in five injections for knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study found that NASHA was more effective in reducing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score and the need for analgesia at Week 26 compared to HA injections. Furthermore, the economic analysis showed that the overall treatment cost was higher with HA injections.

Treatment	Total Cost
HA (5 injections)	€167
NASHA (1 injection)	€152

Patient Outcomes and Pain Reduction

Regarding patient outcomes, those treated with NASHA showed a significant reduction in medication (paracetamol) after infiltration compared to HA-treated patients at Week 26. This indicates an improvement in pain management, reducing the need for additional medication.

Moreover, the study found a statistically significant improvement in the WOMAC score for patients treated with NASHA versus those who received HA at Week 26 [7]. The WOMAC score is a widely used, validated, subjective, disease-specific measure of health status in patients with OA of the hip or knee. This improvement suggests a higher efficacy of NASHA in managing OA symptoms.

The findings from these studies provide valuable insights into the viscosupplementation injection cost, efficacy, and patient outcomes. They contribute to a better understanding of viscosupplementation as a treatment option for knee and hip osteoarthritis. However, it's important to remember that each patient's situation is unique, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Considerations for Viscosupplementation

While contemplating the viscosupplementation injection cost, it is equally important to consider the safety and potential side effects, as well as the long-term effects and benefits of this treatment option.

Safety and Side Effects

Like any medical procedure, viscosupplementation comes with potential risks and side effects. Hyaluronic acid injections, a common type of viscosupplementation, have been reported to cause a range of adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal inflammation, infections, cardiovascular problems, blurred vision, and dizziness [9].

However, it's crucial to note that while these side effects are possible, they are not common and most patients do not experience them. Additionally, the severity and occurrence of side effects can vary depending on the individual's overall health, the severity of their knee osteoarthritis, and the specific type of hyaluronic acid product used.

Long-Term Effects and Benefits

Despite potential side effects, numerous studies have documented the long-term benefits of viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis. Intra-articular HA injections have shown to provide a moderate symptomatic benefit to patients with knee OA without any major safety concerns. Moreover, they may offer one of the best benefit-risk ratios among pharmacologic options and can delay the time to total knee replacement (TKR).

Furthermore, repeated courses of intra-articular HA injections are an effective and safe treatment for knee OA. These repeat courses can maintain or even further improve pain reduction without introducing an increased safety risk.

In terms of effectiveness, intra-articular HA injections have shown a statistically significant improvement in knee pain and function compared to intra-articular corticosteroid or intra-articular placebo injections.

Beyond symptom relief, the use of viscosupplementation by intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis can lead to savings in the medium and long term by delaying surgery [7].

In conclusion, when considering the viscosupplementation injection cost, it's important to weigh the potential side effects against the long-term benefits. For many patients, the ability to delay surgery, reduce pain, and improve functionality can be a significant advantage. As always, it's important to discuss these considerations with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision about treatment.

Future of Viscosupplementation

As the medical field continues to advance, the future of viscosupplementation looks promising. With ongoing research and emerging trends, we can expect significant developments in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the potential for the reduction of viscosupplementation injection cost.

Emerging Trends and Research

Current research has shown that the use of viscosupplementation (VS) by intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) in knee OA can lead to savings in the medium and long term by delaying surgery. This treatment has shown to provide a moderate symptomatic benefit in knee OA patients without major safety concerns, offering one of the best benefit/risk ratios among pharmacologic options.

Moreover, repeated courses of intra-articular HA injections have been found to be effective and safe treatment for knee OA. These repeat courses can maintain or further improve pain reduction while introducing no increased safety risk [4]. Compared to intra-articular corticosteroid or intra-articular placebo injections, intra-articular HA injections have shown a statistically significant improvement in knee pain and function [5].

Potential Developments in Treatment

Looking ahead, we can anticipate further developments in the field of viscosupplementation. One promising area of research lies in the cost-effectiveness of different HA injection types. For example, the results show that hylan G-F 20 1×6 mL and hylan G-F 20 3×2 mL for OA knee treatment are very likely to be cost-effective compared to acetaminophen and NSAIDs as the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) for both comparisons are well below €25,000.

This suggests that as more research is conducted, we can expect to see more cost-effective treatment options for knee OA patients. By continuing to refine and improve upon these treatments, we can hope for a future where viscosupplementation is not just an effective form of treatment, but one that is both accessible and affordable for all knee OA patients. These developments could potentially lead to a decrease in the viscosupplementation injection cost, making this treatment more widely accessible to patients in need.