Patient characteristics associated with all-cause healthcare costs of alopecia areata in the United States

Evidence on the factors of medical costs involved in the care of people with alopecia areata (AA) is limited, but mounting evidence points to significant variation in financial impact for patients with AA in the absence of effective treatments. This study explored drivers of medical costs among privately insured adults and adolescents with AA in the United States. The study found that patients of middle age (45-64 years), located in the Northeast region, with comprehensive health insurance, with greater extent of hair loss, or with other health disorders face greater all-cause medical costs. Adult females of young (18-44 years) and older (65+ years) age also faced greater costs on average. This research confirms high variability in the burden of AA, pointing to population subgroups that may be more affected by the disease and its commonly associated disorders.

Automated summary

Limited evidence suggests that medical costs for people with alopecia areata (AA) vary significantly in the absence of effective treatments. This study investigated the factors influencing medical costs for privately insured adults and adolescents with AA in the United States. The study identified middle-aged patients (45-64 years) in the Northeast region, those with comprehensive health insurance, extensive hair loss, or other health disorders as facing higher all-cause medical costs. Adult females in the age groups of 18-44 years and 65+ years also incurred higher costs on average. The research confirms the variability of the burden of AA and highlights population subgroups more affected by the disease and associated disorders.