Using clostridial collagenase ointment (CCO) early in those with advanced pressure injuries and diabetic foot ulcers can lead to significant savings, a study based on 10 years of claims data found.
Providers, payers and facilities should consider mechanisms that encourage early integration of the ointment in wound care protocols, researchers reported in August’s Wounds. CCO is the only enzymatic debrider for chronic dermal ulcers approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
A podiatrist and experts from Smith + Nephew examined CCO’s use in patients with Stage 3 and Stage 4 pressure injuries and diabetic foot ulcers and compared those who started within 30 days and those who started within 31 and 90 days after wounds were diagnosed.
All-cause healthcare costs for Stage 3 and Stage 4 patients with pressure injuries were 34% lower in the early initiation patients and 22% lower for diabetic foot ulcer patients. Inpatient and outpatient, pharmacy and miscellaneous costs were all also lower when the ointment was used earlier.
Previous peer-reviewed studies cited the role CCO can play in wound healing including granulation tissue formation and reepithelialization. But “despite the abundance of literature demonstrating the clinical efficacy,” the researchers said insurers remain hesitant to use CCO because of its up-front cost.
From the September 2020 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
