Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are in need of cost-intensive treatment involving different aspects of the German
Health System. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice for a large proportion of cases. In the
present study, an analysis of the cost impact of ACS with focus on PCI therapy was conducted across-the-board for the German
Health System. Results indicated that 85% of all costs arising from treatment of ACS with a trial of PCI are due to in-patient
care. Projection of results onto the entire insurant collective of the statutory health system estimated a total of €954,995,603—a
proportional 0.7% of all expenditure by statutory health insurances in 2005.
Keywords Acute coronary syndrome - Myocardial infarction - Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty - Cost analysis
JEL Classification I11 - G22