Table 1. Out-of-Pocket Costs Reported by 675 Patients With Alopecia Areata in the Past Year.
| Category | Costs, $ | Patients, No. (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Median (IQR) | ||
| Transportation/parking to doctor visits in the past year | 77 110 | 10 (0-50) | 370 (54.8) |
| Copays/out-of-pocket deductibles for doctor visits in the past year | 211 940 | 50 (0-300) | 387 (57.3) |
| Medications (over the counter and prescription) for hair loss in the past year | 138 152 | 15 (0-200) | 348 (51.6) |
| Vitamins, supplements, or other treatments in the past year | 112 736 | 50 (0-200) | 457 (67.7) |
| Complementary and alternative therapiesa in the past year | 123 825 | 0 (0-100) | 210 (31.1) |
| Headwear or cosmetic optionsb in the past year | 907 856 | 450 (50-1500) | 552 (81.8) |
| Hair appointmentsc | 195 607 | 50 (0-300) | 378 (56.0) |
| Total out-of-pocket spending | 1 767 225 | 1354 (537-3300) | NA |
| Approximate lost income/wages/earnings for patients who missed workd | 279 412 | 500 (200-2250) | NA |
Abbreviations: IQR, interquartile range; NA, not applicable.
a
Examples of complementary and alternative therapies include acupuncture, yoga, relaxation techniques, and support groups.
b
Examples of headwear or cosmetic options include scarves, hats, wigs, makeup, and artificial eyebrows or eyelashes.
c
Hair appointments include stylings, cuts, and sessions for blow dries or colorings.
d
Data available for 123 patients.