The cost of treating hypertension in Australia, 2012–22: an economic analysis

Abstract

Objective: To quantify the costs of hypertension diagnosis and treatment in Australia, particularly in primary care, including general practices and pharmacies. Study design: Economic analysis; analysis of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data. Setting: Australia, 2012–22. Main outcome measure: Estimated expenditure on hypertension care (adjusted to 2022 Australian dollars), overall and by expenditure type (general practice consultations, medications), cost bearer (PBS, MBS, patient out-of-pocket costs), and broad expenditure category (medication costs, pharmacy costs, general practice consultations, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring). Results: During 2012–22, estimated total expenditure for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in Australia was $12.2 billion: $7.3 billion (60%) was borne by the MBS and PBS, $4.9 billion (40%) by patients as out-of-pocket costs. During 2021–22, an estimated $1.2 billion was spent on the management of hypertension; the three main cost components were pharmacy-related costs (administration and handling fees, dispensing fees, electronic prescription fees: $611.1 million, 50.8%), general practice consultations ($342.7 million, 28.5%), and blood pressure-lowering medications (manufacturer and wholesale costs: $244.3 million, 20.3%). Conclusions: During 2012–22, about 40% of the cost of managing hypertension in Australia was borne directly by patients (about $494 million per year). Important changes to pharmacy supply and payment policies were introduced in 2023, but further efforts may be needed to reduce treatment costs for patients. These changes are particularly important if the hypertension control rate is to be substantially improved in Australia, given the large numbers of undertreated and untreated people with hypertension.