Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) incurs billions in medical expenditures annually, with acute exacerbations and subsequent hospitalizations being significant cost drivers. At-home cough monitoring is a promising innovation with the potential to reshape this landscape.

This analysis examines the cost-effectiveness of cough monitoring systems for early detection of COPD exacerbations. ‍

1. The paper evaluates the costs and potential savings associated with using at-home cough monitoring for a cohort of 10,000 patients
2. The total annual cost of the program, including equipment and operational expenses, would be around $18.47 million
3. The program would prevent 2,286 hospitalizations, resulting in savings of approximately $29.72 million annually, yielding a 161% return on investment (ROI)
4. The program would remain profitable with a detection rate as low as 28%
5. Even if the prevention rate drops to 32%, the program would still yield a positive cost-benefit ratio

Originally published: August 2023

Last updated: September 2024