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Should Commercial Diagnostic Testing Be Stimulated or Discouraged? Analyzing Willingness-to-Pay and Market Externalities of Three Commercial Diagnostic Tests in The Netherlands

Author

Listed:
  • Niek Stadhouders

    (Radboud University Medical Center)

  • Ella Vliet

    (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM))

  • Anne E.M. Brabers

    (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research)

  • Wieteke Dijk

    (Radboud University Medical Center)

  • Suzanne Onstwedder

    (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM))

Abstract

Introduction Consumers may purchase commercial diagnostic tests (CDT) without prior doctor consultation. This paper analyzes three CDT markets—commercial cholesterol tests (CCT), direct-to-consumer genetic health tests (DGT) and total body scans (TBS)—in the context of the universal, collectively financed health care system of the Netherlands. Methods An online willingness-to-pay (WTP) questionnaire was sent to a representative sample of 1500 Dutch consumers. Using contingent valuation (CV) methodology, an array of bids for three self-tests were presented to the respondents. The results were extrapolated to the Dutch population and compared to current prices and follow-up medical utilization, allowing analysis from a societal perspective. Results Overall, 880 of 1500 respondents completed the questionnaire (response rate 59%). Of the respondents, 26–44% were willing to pay a positive amount for the CDT. Willingness-to-pay was correlated to age and household income, but not to health status or prior experience with these tests. At mean current prices of €29 for CCT, €229 for DGT and €1,650 for TBS, 3.3%, 2.5%, and 1.1%, were willing to purchase a CCT, DGT, and TBS, respectively. All three CDT resulted in net costs to the health system, estimated at €5, €16, and €44 per test, respectively. Reducing volumes by 90,000 CCTs (19%), 19,000 DGTs (5%) and 4,000 TBSs (2.5%) in 2019 would optimize welfare. Conclusion Most respondents were unwilling to consume CDT at any price or only if the CDT were provided for free. However, for a small group of consumers, societal costs exceed private benefits. Therefore, CDT regulation could provide small welfare gains.

Suggested Citation

  • Niek Stadhouders & Ella Vliet & Anne E.M. Brabers & Wieteke Dijk & Suzanne Onstwedder, 2024. "Should Commercial Diagnostic Testing Be Stimulated or Discouraged? Analyzing Willingness-to-Pay and Market Externalities of Three Commercial Diagnostic Tests in The Netherlands," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 193-207, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:aphecp:v:22:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s40258-023-00846-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00846-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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