STUDY: Sleep Apnea Management Benefits Cardiac Patients

CAESAREA, Israel (November 17, 2020)—Itamar Medical Ltd., a medical device and digital health company leading the integration of sleep apnea management into the cardiac patient care pathway, today announced the preliminary results from two large claims database studies that demonstrated the significant health economic benefits of effective sleep apnea management for patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases. The studies were conducted by leading advisory firm, Baker Tilly, in conjunction with leading obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experts.

An analysis of both Medicare and Commercial claims revealed that cardiovascular patients who were diagnosed and complied with treatment for sleep apnea generated material savings to the healthcare system compared to those who were not effectively treated. More specifically, cardiovascular patients with sleep apnea who complied with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment generated annual savings of approximately $5,000 per patient compared to those who did not comply.

“Given the importance of payers’ current initiatives to find effective new ways to create savings, we are very encouraged by these initial results,” said Gilad Glick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Itamar Medical. “We look forward to completing the study shortly and to submitting for peer reviewed publication.”

The link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been well-studied, showing a comorbid prevalence of 50% or higher. Sleep apnea, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening respiratory sleep disorder, is estimated to affect approximately 54 million to 60 million people in the U.S.; most are believe to also suffer from a cardiovascular condition. Further research shows that roughly 80% to 85% of sleep apnea patients go undiagnosed and untreated and it is possible that the number of CVD patients suffer from sleep apnea and go undiagnosed is similar.

“Our initial findings in this study are statistically significant and operationally compelling,” said David Gregory, Principal, Healthcare Practice at Baker Tilly. “Our analysis thus far has been telling and indicates that there is a substantial opportunity for improved financial savings for payors by simply treating cardiac patients for sleep apnea where appropriate.”

“We are excited about the findings we have seen so far and what this could mean for payors and patients alike,” said Etai Amitai, VP Strategic Planning and Health Economics at Itamar Medical. “At Itamar Medical, we are passionate about leading the integration of sleep apnea management into cardiovascular care and these initial findings show the economic value of the work we are doing. We look forward to seeing the full analysis once it is completed.”

Given the current global health climate and the hefty costs imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, payors are eager for new, effective, and efficient ways to cut costs. Baker Tilly’s initial study results exemplify the value of sleep apnea management in the CVD patient care pathway and represent a valuable incentive for the development of dedicated programs to diagnose and treat these patients.