Indirect Impacts
Although difficult to measure precisely, Baxter's main indirect economic impact is through its products. By using Baxter products, many patients extend and improve the quality of their lives and potentially avert further health expenses. Baxter conducts economic research and works to provide governments, healthcare organizations and patients the information needed to make the best possible decisions about treatment.
For example, Baxter is the world’s leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of peritoneal dialysis (PD) products and services for end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure. PD is a self-administered therapy that, unlike hemodialysis (HD), does not require an extensive infrastructure of hospitals or clinics. Recent studies1 submitted for publication in health economics and healthcare journals conclude that in-home PD therapy is less expensive than HD delivered in clinics, both in developed and developing economies. See more information in Product Development.
Another category of indirect impacts is referred to as the "multiplier effect" – the impact that company spending has on the broader economy, for example, through creating jobs in the supply chain and supporting services such as air travel or hospitality. Baxter does not currently have quantitative data in this area, but believes these impacts are significant given the company's size and scope. For example, Baxter paid its suppliers approximately $4.4 billion in 2008, which those suppliers then used for purposes such as paying their suppliers, providing their employees with wages and benefits, paying taxes, and other expenses.
1 “Reimbursement and Economic Factors Influencing Dialysis Modality Choice Around the World,” Paul M. Just, Frank Th. De Charro, Elizabeth A. Tschosik, Les L. Noe, Samir K. Bhattacharyya, and “Economic Evaluations of Dialysis Treatment Modalities,” Paul M. Just, Miguel C. Riella, Elizabeth A. Tschosik, Les L. Noe, Samir K. Bhattacharyya, Frank Th. De Charro.
