Can health-economic modeling be adjusted to assess the cost-effectiveness of prognostic testing in COPD management?

Background: Genetic mutations like ADRB2 polymorphisms are suspected to influence treatment outcomes in COPD [1]. Clinical application of pharmacogenetic testing may improve treatment and cost outcomes in COPD. This paper analyzes whether effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of genetic testing for mutations and stratified treatment can be assessed by testing and adapting an existing COPD Markov model. Methods: The German COPD model is a comprehensive Markov model (disease stages I-IV according to GOLD, post-surgery, post-LTx, death) and considers mild, moderate and severe exacerbations [2]. It was developed to c…