Newton, Mass.– A newly published analysis in the Journal of Medical Economics suggests that using the Leva® Pelvic Health System as a first-line treatment for female urinary incontinence (UI) could significantly reduce healthcare costs for insurers while improving patient outcomes. The study, funded by Axena Health, found that health plans could save an average of $1.07 per member per month (PMPM) when Leva is used in place of current clinical practices.
The peer-reviewed study evaluated the 24-month cost impact of the Leva system compared to typical treatment pathways for UI in a representative commercial health plan with one million members. The analysis estimated that 31,438 adult women (approximately 9.4% of the female population in the plan) would receive treatment for urinary incontinence over that period.
Women treated with Leva had significantly lower costs per patient—$10,447 compared to $11,267 for those receiving standard care. This cost reduction translated into a projected total savings of more than $25.7 million over two years for the health plan.
Dr. Samantha Pulliam, Chief Medical Officer at Axena Health, emphasized the dual benefit of the findings. “This analysis confirms what we have long believed—that the Leva Pelvic Health System offers not only a highly effective first-line treatment for urinary incontinence, but also meaningful cost savings for payers,” she said. “When women are not offered effective early interventions, they are often escalated to more invasive and expensive treatments. Leva helps prevent that, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.”
The Leva system, a non-invasive, at-home device designed to improve pelvic floor muscle training, has been shown in previous clinical studies to deliver significant improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms. The budget impact model revealed that its use also reduces the need for medications and surgical interventions, key drivers of higher medical costs.
With urinary incontinence affecting millions of women and placing a growing burden on healthcare systems, the findings may support expanded payer coverage and encourage more widespread adoption of non-invasive treatment approaches like Leva.
