A Research on Determination of out-of-Pocket Payment Costs of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the out-of-pocket payment costs of the Type 2 Diabetes patients due to and associated with the disease. Material and Methods: This study with a descriptive design qualifies. The sample of the study consisted of the patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, who applied to a university hospital. In line with the calculated sample number, the study was performed through the face-to-face interviews made with 180 participants. Results: In terms of out-of-pocket payment costs, individual average cost figures within the two patient groups being service and policlinic, are TL 350.59 for service patients, whereas TL 1046.26 for policlinic patients. The total out-of-pocket cost within both patient groups was calculated as TL 111,309,442. Conclusion: It is seen that the substantial part of the cost for the patients, special footwear and socks, which result from the diseases developing in consequence of complication, such as Diabetic Foot, and which are required to be used. From this aspect, increase of the state's support to the patients with regard to reduction of the out-of-pocket payment costs of the patients, or switching to domestic production for the instruments used, and inducement of the patients in this direction, will play an important role in decreasing the costs.