SCIT is an effective treatment for allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Reported adherence rates to SCIT have been low, ranging between 50% and 89%. This study sought to evaluate compliance to SCIT in an urban “safety net,” tertiary care center, and evaluate for disparities in the compliance based upon insurance and socioeconomic status.
A retrospective chart review of SCIT patients was performed. Researchers collected demographic data, insurance carriers, and comorbidities. Compliance was evaluated on treatment adherence. Statistical analysis was performed using R statistical software.
Two hundred five patients met our inclusion criteria, and 28 were excluded after initial screening. Insurance composition was Medicaid, Medicare, HSN in Massachusetts, and commercial payors. Linear regression demonstrated that age, duration of therapy, and asthma status were not related to the percentage of missed doses. Payor status was statistically predictive of missed doses. When comparing the average rate of missed immunotherapy shots, Medicaid patients missed the most 34.2%, followed by Medicare 24.4%, commercial insurance 19.9%, and HSN in Massachusetts, 18.5%.
The study concluded that in a cohort of patients at a tertiary care “safety-net” center serving a low-income population, compliance to SCIT was overall high but lower in the Medicaid population.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892418793518
