Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40542934›Full record

ArticleHealth economics review2025

Economic evaluation of inpatient medication reconciliation with a subtraction strategy.

Nontakorn Khomsanoi, Theetad Chombandit, Jurinporn Wiwatmanaskul, Chatchai Kreepala

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Article in Health economics review, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

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3citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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3 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Nontakorn KhomsanoiInpatient Pharmacist Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Theetad ChombanditHeart center, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, Chonburi, Thailand.
Jurinporn WiwatmanaskulInpatient Pharmacist Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Chatchai KreepalaNephrology Unit, School of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. chatchaikree@gmail.com.

Funding

Medical Education and Research Unit, Suranaree University of Technology Hospital SUTH-CLR-67-07
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundUniversity-based hospitals in Thailand face increasing financial strain due to insufficient reimbursement for inpatient care. The public health financing system comprises three major schemes: the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), Social Security Scheme (SSS), and Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS), which differ in funding mechanisms and reimbursement rates. Although all schemes apply the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) system for inpatient payment, variations in base rates and case-mix complexity often leave tertiary hospitals underfunded. Medication reconciliation (MR) with a subtraction strategy-deducting patients' home medications from discharge prescriptions-has been implemented to optimize hospital resources. This study aimed to evaluate cost savings and identify key determinants influencing the economic outcomes of MR across public insurance schemes.

methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 563 hospitalized internal medicine patients at a university-based hospital. Of these, 324 underwent MR with subtraction. Cost savings and reimbursement margins were calculated from the provider's perspective. Patients were stratified by healthcare scheme (CSMBS, UCS, SSS) and length of stay (LOS). Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to identify factors associated with cost savings.

resultsThe highest mean cost savings per patient were observed in the SSS group (508.5 ± 56.1 THB [~ 14.1 USD]), and the lowest in CSMBS (133.5 ± 23.6 THB [~ 3.7 USD]). Prolonged LOS was associated with significantly greater savings (LOS > 21 days: IRR = 2.45, p < 0.001). SSS patients achieved the greatest overall savings (IRR = 3.95, p < 0.001). Nonetheless, negative reimbursement margins persisted across all schemes.

conclusionsAlthough MR with subtraction achieved measurable cost savings, it failed to offset reimbursement deficits. Broader financial reforms are needed to ensure sustainability, with MR positioned as a potentially scalable strategy within value-based care frameworks.

Indexed as

Cost minimizationEconomic efficiencyHospital policyMedication reconciliation

Identifiers

PMID40542934
PMCPMC12181825

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