National Hospital Cost Data Research Articles

Health care resource use in preschool children with cerebral palsy.

To estimate the burden of disease and evaluate which factors affect health care resource use (HCRU) in young children with cerebral palsy (CP). Data were collected as part of a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of children with CP born in Queensland, Australia between 2006 and 2009. HCRU questionnaires were administered at six time points. Data on resource use, socio-demographics, and disease severity were collected. Costs were sourced from Medicare, the Australian National Hospital Cost Data Collection, and market prices. A generalized linear model was used to identify factors influencing CP-related costs. A total of 794 questionnaires were completed by 222 participants (mean = 3.6 per participant). Physiotherapy (94%, n = 208) was the most widely accessed allied health care therapy; almost half of the participants (45%; 354 of 794) reported one or more hospital admissions. From the health care funder perspective, a child with CP costs on average A$24 950 per annum (A$12 475 per 6 months). Higher costs were associated with increased motor impairment (Gross Motor Function Classification System, p < 0.001) and increased comorbidities (p = 0.012). HCRU in preschool children with CP can be analysed according to disease severity. Both increased motor impairments and increased comorbidities were associated with higher health care costs. Children with a higher number of comorbidities had higher health care costs, and more specifically, higher hospitalization costs. No significant change in costs was found over time as children aged from 18 months to 5 years.

Prevalence, trends, and outcomes of same-day discharge following elective percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective observational cohort study using routinely-collected health data.

To identify the prevalence, trends, and outcomes of same-day discharge following elective percutaneous coronary intervention among six public hospitals in one Australian State. A retrospective observational research design was used. A total of 4387 cases were obtained from the State Cardiac Outcomes Registry and National Hospital Cost Data Collection. The two datasets were linked using identifiable data items. Patients were those who had elective percutaneous coronary intervention between December 2012 and December 2019 either discharged the same day of the procedure or the next day. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall same-day discharge prevalence was 6.5%, with a trend increasing from 0.2% in 2013 to 9.0% in 2019. The prevalence varied at the individual hospital level. Two hospitals did not perform same-day discharge during the study period. The remaining hospitals demonstrated variability in same-day discharge prevalence, with the highest from one hospital being 28.2% in 2019. Almost all same-day discharge patients experienced no complications during or following percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours. Compared to next-day discharge, same-day discharge reduced the length of stay by 18 hours and conferred an average of $3695 cost-savings per patient. There was limited implementation of same-day discharge in the six public hospitals contributing data to this study. Improvement in the same-day discharge rate could result in better hospital resource utilisation and reduce low-value care. Hence, strategies to implement and promote same-day discharge are warranted.

Hospital costs for unplanned re-admissions within 30 days of hospitalisations with heart failure, Australia, 2013-2017: a retrospective cohort study.

To assess the direct hospital costs for unplanned re-admissions within 30 days of hospitalisations with heart failure in Australia; to estimate the proportion of these costs attributable to potentially preventable re-admissions. Retrospective cohort study; analysis of linked admitted patient data collections data. People admitted to hospital (all public and most private hospitals in Australia) with primary diagnoses of heart failure, 1 January 2013 - 31 December 2017, who were discharged alive and re-admitted to hospital at least once (any cause) within 30 days of discharge. Estimated re-admission costs based on National Hospital Cost Data Collection, by unplanned re-admission category based on the primary re-admission diagnosis: potentially hospital-acquired condition; recurrence of heart failure; other diagnoses related to heart failure; all other diagnoses. The first two groups were deemed the most preventable. The 165 612 eligible hospitalisations of people with heart failure during 2013-2017 (mean age, 79 years [standard deviation, 12 years]; 85 964 men [51.9%]) incurred direct hospital costs of $1881.4 million (95% confidence interval [CI], $1872.5-1890.2 million), or $376.3 million per year (95% CI, $374.5-378.1 million per year) and $11 360 per patient (95% CI, $11 312-11 408 per patient). A total of 41 125 people (24.8%) experienced a total of 58 977 unplanned re-admissions within 30 days of discharge from index admissions; these re-admissions incurred direct hospital costs of $604.4 million (95% CI, $598.2-610.5 million), or 32% of total index admission costs; that is, $120.9 million per year (95% CI, $119.6-122.1 million per year), and $14 695 per patient (95% CI, $14 535-14 856 per patient). Re-admissions with potentially hospital-acquired conditions (21 641 re-admissions) accounted for 40.1% of unplanned re-admission costs, recurrence of heart failure (18 666 re-admissions) for 35.6% of re-admission costs. Unplanned re-admissions after hospitalisations with heart failure are expensive, incurring costs equivalent to 32% of those for the initial hospitalisations; a large proportion of these costs are associated with potentially preventable re-admissions. Reducing the number of unplanned re-admissions could improve outcomes for people with heart failure and reduce hospital costs.

Excess Bed Days and Hospitalization Costs Associated With 30-Day Complications Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

The incidence and type of complications following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation have been extensively examined, but the impact associated with these complications on the length of stay and hospitalization costs is unknown. This cohort study included 20 117 adult patients (mean age 62.6±11.4 years, 30.3% women, median length of stay 1 day [interquartile range 1-2 days]) undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation in financial years 2011 to 2017 in Australia with available cost data from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection, which determines government reimbursement of health services provided. The primary outcome was the costs associated with complications occurring up to 30 days postdischarge adjusted for inflation to 2021 Australian dollars. We used generalized linear models to estimate the increase in length of stay and cost associated with complications, adjusting for patient characteristics. Within 30 days of hospital discharge, 1151 (5.72%) patients experienced a complication with bleeding (3.35%) and pericardial effusion (0.75%) being the most common. On average, the occurrence of a complication was associated with an adjusted 3.3 (95% CI, 3.1-3.6) excess bed days of hospital care (totaling 3851 days), and a $7812 (95% CI, $6754-$8870) increase in hospitalization cost (totaling $9.0 million). Most of the total excess cost was attributable to bleeding ($3.8 million, 41.9% of total excess cost) and pericardial effusion ($1.6 million, 18.2%). Complications following atrial fibrillation ablation were associated with significant increase in length of stay and hospitalization costs, most of which were attributable to bleeding and pericardial effusion. Strategies to improve procedural safety and reduce health care costs should focus on these complications.

Sepsis-coded hospitalisations and associated costs in Australia: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveTo report trends in Australian hospitalisations coded for sepsis and their associated costs.DesignRetrospective analysis of Australian national hospitalisation data from 2002 to 2021.MethodsSepsis-coded hospitalisations were identified using the Global Burden of Disease study sepsis-specific ICD-10 codes modified for Australia. Costs were calculated using Australian-Refined Diagnosis Related Group codes and National Hospital Cost Data Collection.ResultsSepsis-coded hospitalisations increased from 36,628 in 2002-03 to 131,826 in 2020-21, an annual rate of 7.8%. Principal admission diagnosis codes contributed 13,843 (37.8%) in 2002-03 and 44,186 (33.5%) in 2020-21; secondary diagnosis codes contributed 22,785 (62.2%) in 2002-03 and 87,640 (66.5%) in 2020-21. Unspecified sepsis was the most common sepsis code, increasing from 15,178 hospitalisations in 2002-03 to 68,910 in 2020-21. The population-based incidence of sepsis-coded hospitalisations increased from 18.6 to 10,000 population (2002-03) to 51.3 per 10,000 (2021-21); representing an increase from 55.1 to 10,000 hospitalisations in 2002-03 to 111.4 in 2020-21. Sepsis-coded hospitalisations occurred more commonly in the elderly; those aged 65 years or above accounting for 20,573 (55.6%) sepsis-coded hospitalisations in 2002-03 and 86,135 (65.3%) in 2020-21. The cost of sepsis-coded hospitalisations increased at an annual rate of 20.6%, from AUD199M (€127 M) in financial year 2012 to AUD711M (€455 M) in 2019.ConclusionHospitalisations coded for sepsis and associated costs increased significantly from 2002 to 2021 and from 2012 to 2019, respectively.

Acute management of skin tears with mesh grafting: a prospective study and cost-benefit analysis

**Background**: Skin tears cause a significant burden to the patient and healthcare system. Acute management has traditionally comprised of operative debridement and formal skin grafting, which is costly, invasive and often followed by admission for five to seven days. In a 2014 pilot study by Vandervord and colleagues, a protocol for re-laying the skin tear as a meshed skin graft (mesh protocol) was proposed, which has not been validated to date. Our study aims to compare a prospective cohort to the original pilot study to determine validity in clinical practice and provide an updated cost-benefit analysis.**Method**: All patients who presented with acutely sustained skin tears at Northern Beaches Hospital, NSW, Australia, were prospectively entered into the mesh protocol as described by Vandervord and colleagues. An updated cost-benefit analysis was performed using a national hospital cost data collection report produced by the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA).**Results**: We enrolled 53 patients onto the protocol who had sustained a total of 64 discrete skin tears, with 11 patients sustaining more than one skin tear. The average age of patients was 86, and the most common location of the skin tear was pretibial, followed by forearm/hand. Only one patient required a return to theatre for debridement and formal skin grafting, and three patients required long-term dressings for partial mesh graft loss. The cost to the healthcare system is consistent with the pilot study, with a significant difference between discharge from the emergency department post-procedure and formal grafting and admission for five to seven days.**Conclusion**: Use of the mesh protocol creates wound coverage and prevents the need for formal skin grafting, and reduces costs associated with formal operations and hospital admissions.

Abstract 11846: Excess Healthcare Costs and Bed Days Associated With Complications Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Complications following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been extensively examined but little is known about their associated economic burden. Hypothesis: Complications of AF ablations were associated with a significant increase in healthcare resources utilization. Methods: All patients &gt;18 years undergoing AF ablations in the financial years of 2011-2017 in Australia with available cost data from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection were included. The primary outcome was occurrence of any complications up to 30-days post-discharge. All costs were adjusted to 2021 Australian dollars. The increase in length of stay (LOS) and in cost associated with complications, adjusting for patient characteristics, was evaluated using generalized linear models and negative binomial regression. Results: Our study included 19,916 patients (mean age 62.6±11.3 years, 30.2% females). The median length of stay was 1 day (interquartile range [IQR] 1-2 days) and the median cost per hospitalization was $6,646.5 (IQR $5,979.7-$10,210.5). A total of 1,074 patients (5.39%) experienced a complication (4.24% during the hospital stay and 1.37% post-discharge). The most common complications were bleeding (3.18%), pericardial effusion (0.66%), and vascular injury (0.43%). On average, the occurrence of a complication was associated with 2.8 excess bed-days and a $6,119.4 (95%CI $5,491.2-$6,747.7) increase in hospitalization cost (totaling nearly $6.6 millions). Complications that required cardiac surgery were associated with the highest incremental cost per patient ($19,958.5 [95%CI $17,304.5-$22,612.6]) but most of excess cost was attributable to bleeding ($4,808.5 per patient, $3,048,596.1 in total, 44.4% of total excess cost) and pericardial effusion ($6,064.8 per patient, $1,073,094.9 in total, 16.3% of total excess cost). Conclusions: The occurrence of any complication following AF ablation is associated with a significant economic burden, most of which was attributable to bleeding and pericardial effusion. Strategies to improve procedural safety and reduce healthcare cost should focus on these complications.

PP339 A Budget Impact Model Of The EluviaTM Drug-Eluting Stent from The Australian Public Hospital And National Payer Perspective

IntroductionImproving long-term outcomes like target lesions revascularizations (TLRs) is a focus for endovascular interventions aimed at treating symptomatic lower-limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD). EluviaTM, a paclitaxel-eluting drug-eluting stent (DES) was shown to further reduce TLRs when compared with the paclitaxel-coated Zilver® PTX® stent in the IMPERIAL trial, a global, randomized controlled study. This budget-impact evaluation investigated cost-savings from Eluvia-use when compared with Zilver PTX, relying on the 12- to 24-month outcomes from the IMPERIAL trial.MethodsA budget-impact model comparing Eluvia and Zilver PTX was developed from the Australian public healthcare payer, and an individual hospital perspective, with a 5-year time-horizon. Observed trial results were applied to each year's incident population and associated costs, and no extrapolation was conducted. The analysis used publicly available Australian national hospital cost data, population estimates, procedural statistics, epidemiological literature, and data from public hospital audits to verify eligible population for endovascular procedures (EVP) including DES. All costs were captured in Australian dollars (AUD), where AUD 1 = USD 0.69 (June 2020).ResultsAssuming 80-percent EVP eligibility, and a DES-use range of 10–28 percent, the 5-year model estimated potential national savings of AUD 4.3–12.1 million (M) [USD 3–8.3M] to the public healthcare payer, driven by reduced TLRs from Eluvia-use compared with Zilver-PTX. The model projected potential national savings of AUD 33.1–92.6M (USD 22.8–63.9M) to individual hospitals through reduced hospital bed days for adverse events (AE). The model forecasted 14,428–40,399 treated patients; 1,499–4,198 fewer TLRs; and 16,515–46,243 fewer hospital days for AE. At a state level, projected hospital savings were: New South Wales AUD 10.9–30.7M [USD 7.5–21.1M]; Victoria AUD 8.4–23.4M [USD 5.8–16.1M]; Queensland AUD 6.5–18.3M [USD 4.5–12.6M]; Western Australia AUD 3.4–9.5M [USD 2.3–6.5M]; South Australia AUD 2.3–6.4M [USD 1.6–4.4M].ConclusionsTreatment of symptomatic lower-limb PAD with the Eluvia DES could lead to potential savings for the Australian healthcare system, at the national, state, and the local hospital level, based on improved patient outcomes.

PP329 An Australian Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of The EluviaTM Drug-Eluting Stent For Treatment Of Symptomatic Lower-Limb Peripheral Artery Disease

IntroductionDespite advances in endovascular interventions, including the introduction of drug-eluting stents (DES), high target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates still burden the treatment of symptomatic lower-limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD). EluviaTM, a novel, sustained-release, paclitaxel-eluting DES, was shown to further reduce TLRs when compared with the paclitaxel-coated Zilver® PTX® stent, in the IMPERIAL randomized controlled trial. This evaluation estimated the cost-effectiveness of Eluvia when compared with Zilver PTX in Australia, based on 12-month clinical outcomes from the IMPERIAL trial.MethodsA state-transition, decision-analytic model with a 12-month time horizon was developed from an Australian public healthcare system perspective. Cost parameters were obtained from the Australian National Hospital Cost Data Collection Cost Report (2016–17). All costs were captured in Australian dollars (AUD), where AUD 1 = USD 0.69 (June 2020). Complete sets of clinical parameters (primary patency loss, TLR, amputation, and death) and cost parameters from their respective distributions were bootstrapped in samples of 1,000 patients, for each intervention arm of the model. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsAt 12 months, modeled TLR rates were 4.5 percent for Eluvia and 8.9 percent for Zilver PTX, and mean total direct costs were AUD 6,537 [USD 4,511] and AUD 6,908 [USD 4,767], respectively (Eluvia average per patient savings; overall cohort=AUD 371 [USD 256]; diabetic cohort=AUD 625 [USD 431]). In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, Eluvia was cost-effective relative to Zilver PTX in 92.0 percent of all simulations at a threshold of $10,000 per TLR avoided. Eluvia was more effective and less costly (dominant) than Zilver PTX in 76.0 percent of simulations.ConclusionsIn the first year after the intervention, Eluvia was more effective and less costly than Zilver PTX, making Eluvia the dominant treatment strategy for treatment of symptomatic lower-limb PAD, from an Australian public healthcare system perspective. These findings should be considered when formulating policy and practice guidelines in the context of priority setting and making evidence-based resource allocation decisions for treatment of PAD in Australia.

Mental Health Crises in Rural and Remote Australia: An Assessment of Direct Medical Costs of Air Medical Retrievals and the Implications for the Societal Burden

ObjectiveAdequate mental health service provision in rural and remote Australian communities is problematic because of the tyranny of distance. The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides air medical retrieval for people in rural and remote areas. The economic impact on both the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the public hospital system for mental health–related air medical retrievals is unknown. We aimed to estimate the direct medical costs associated with air medical retrievals and subsequent hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders for the 2017 calendar year. MethodsAll patients with a primary working diagnosis of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Version, Australian Modification F00 to F99 (mental and behavioral disorders) who underwent an air medical retrieval were included in this cost analysis. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Edition, Australian Modification codes were mapped to Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Group codes, with hospital costs applied from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection (2016/2017). All costs are reported in 2017 Australian dollars (AUDs). ResultsOne hundred twenty-two primary evacuations and 926 interhospital transfers occurred with an in-flight diagnosis of F00 to F99, most commonly psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizotypal disorders. The total direct medical costs were estimated to be AUD $20,070,527. Costs for primary evacuations accounted for 13% (AUD $2,611,260), with the majority of this associated with the subsequent hospital admission (AUD $1,770,139). Similarly, the majority of the costs associated with interhospital transfers (total costs = AUD $17,459,267) were also related to hospital costs (AUD $13,569,187). ConclusionDirect medical costs associated with air medical retrievals for people experiencing a mental health crisis are substantial. The majority of costs are associated with hospital admission and treatment; however, the indirect (loss of productivity) and intangible (quality of life) costs are likely to be far greater.

Population growth, ageing and obesity do not sufficiently explain the increased utilization of total knee replacement in Australia.

The utilization of total knee replacement (TKR) has increased significantly. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of changes in population demography (population growth, ageing and gender) and body mass indices (BMIs) on the additional volume of knee replacement surgery undertaken in Australia. Using national data, we compared estimates based on changes in population demography and BMIs to the reported increase in TKR between 2007 and 2017. The costs of additional surgery were estimated using the National Hospital Cost Data Collection. An additional 25 814 TKRs were performed in 2017 compared to 2007. Contributions from population growth, ageing and changing BMIs were 27.1%, 10.4%, and 6.3%-15.3%, respectively. Other drivers contributed between 47.2% and 56.2%, representing 12 176-14 506 TKRs at a financial cost of A$320.9 million to A$382.3 million per year in 2017. The volume of additional surgery being performed considerably exceeded estimates based on changing population demography and rising rates of obesity. The other drivers of additional TKR utilization will likely have significant implications for the health budget and warrant further investigation. This may involve an examination of the current indications for surgery and the cost-effectiveness of TKR in various settings, reviewing patient expectations and preferences, and assessing the impact of policies which relate to the funding and provision of TKR.

Cost Containment of Total Knee Arthroplasty in the US: DEA Analysis on Regional Cost and Clinical Comparison between 2010 and 2013

The purpose of this research is to evaluate clinical and cost effectiveness of total knee replacement surgery (TKA) for adults hospitalized in the United States between 2010 and 2013. We tried to answer the question that whether lower length of stay and higher utilization of post-op facilities would be helpful to control the overall costs. Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) database and cost data from Blue Cross Blue shield, this study seeks to identify which U.S. region renders the highest quality patient care during a three-year span of 2008-2010. Using length of stay and discharge disposition (2010) as input factors, and regional TKA costs (2013) as output factors, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a non-parametric method, illustrated the efficiency ranking of four regions in the US on TKA expenditures. The result shows the West is the most efficient region on controlling the overall cost by shrinking the length of stay and increasing the utilization of short-term/long-term care facilities.

Costs for physical and mental health hospitalizations in the first 13 years of life among children engaged with Child Protection Services

BackgroundLongitudinal data on health costs associated with physical and mental conditions are not available for children reported to child protection services. ObjectiveTo estimate the costs of hospitalization for physical and mental health conditions by child protection status, including out-of-home-care (OOHC) placement, from birth until 13-years, and to assess the excess costs associated with child protection contact over this period. Participants and settingAustralian population cohort of 79,285 children in a multi-agency linkage study. MethodsCosts of hospitalization were estimated from birth (if available) using Round 17, National Hospital Cost Data Collection (2012-13; deflated to 2015-16 AUD). Records of the state child protection authority determined contact status. Data were reported separately for children in OOHC. Hospital separations were classified as mental disorder-related if the primary diagnosis was recorded in ICD-10 Chapter V (F00-F99). ResultsHospital separations were more common in children with child protection contact. Physical health care costs per child decreased with age for all children, but were significantly higher for children with contact. Mental health costs per child were always significantly higher for children with contact, with marked increases at 3 ≤ 4 years and 8 ≤ 9 years. Point estimates of annual costs per child were always highest for children with an OOHC placement. The net present value of the excess costs was $3,224 per child until 13- years, discounted at 5 %. ConclusionsChildren in contact with child protection services show higher rates and costs for physical and mental health hospitalizations in each of their first 13 years of life.

M49 EPIGENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDY (EWAS) OF YOUNG PEOPLE WITH FAMILIAL RISK OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

Longitudinal data on health costs associated with physical and mental conditions are not available for children reported to child protection services.To estimate the costs of hospitalization for physical and mental health conditions by child protection status, including out-of-home-care (OOHC) placement, from birth until 13-years, and to assess the excess costs associated with child protection contact over this period.Australian population cohort of 79,285 children in a multi-agency linkage study.Costs of hospitalization were estimated from birth (if available) using Round 17, National Hospital Cost Data Collection (2012-13; deflated to 2015-16 AUD). Records of the state child protection authority determined contact status. Data were reported separately for children in OOHC. Hospital separations were classified as mental disorder-related if the primary diagnosis was recorded in ICD-10 Chapter V (F00-F99).Hospital separations were more common in children with child protection contact. Physical health care costs per child decreased with age for all children, but were significantly higher for children with contact. Mental health costs per child were always significantly higher for children with contact, with marked increases at 3 ≤ 4 years and 8 ≤ 9 years. Point estimates of annual costs per child were always highest for children with an OOHC placement. The net present value of the excess costs was $3,224 per child until 13- years, discounted at 5 %.Children in contact with child protection services show higher rates and costs for physical and mental health hospitalizations in each of their first 13 years of life.

A new clinical complexity model for the Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups

BackgroundThe Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (AR-DRG) underwent a major review in 2014 with changes implemented in Version 8.0 of the classification. The core to the changes was the development of a new methodology to estimate the Diagnosis Complexity Level (DCL) and to aggregate the complexity level of individual diagnoses to the complexity of an entire episode, resulting in an Episode Clinical Complexity Score (ECCS). This paper provides an overview of the new methodology and its application in Version 8.0. MethodThe AR-DRG V8.0 refinement project was overseen by a Classifications Clinical Advisory Group and a Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) Technical Group. Admitted Patient Care National Minimum Dataset and the National Hospital Cost Data Collection were used for complexity modelling and analysis. ResultIn total, Version 8.0 comprised 807 DRGs, including 3 error DRGs. Of the 321 Adjacent DRGs (ADRGs) that had a split, 315 ADRGs used ECCS as the only splitting variable while the remaining 6 ADRGs used splitting variables other than ECCS: 2 used age and 4 used transfer. Discussion and conclusionA new episode clinical complexity (ECC) model was developed and introduced in AR-DRG V8.0, replacing the original model introduced in the 1990s. Clear AR-DRG structure principles were established for revising the system. The new complexity model is conceptually based and statistically derived, and results in an improved relationship with actual variations in resource use due to episode complexity.

The projected burden of primary total knee and hip replacement for osteoarthritis in Australia to the year 2030

BackgroundComprehensive national joint replacement registries with well-validated data offer unique opportunities for examining the potential future burden of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) at a population level. This study aimed to forecast the burden of primary total knee (TKR) and hip replacements (THR) performed for OA in Australia to the year 2030, and to model the impact of contrasting obesity scenarios on TKR burden.MethodsDe-identified TKR and THR data for 2003–2013 were obtained from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Population projections and obesity trends were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with public and private hospital costs sourced from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection. Procedure rates were projected according to two scenarios: (1) constant rate of surgery from 2013 onwards; and (2) continued growth in surgery rates based on 2003–2013 growth. Sensitivity analyses were used to estimate future TKR burden if: (1) obesity rates continued to increase linearly; or (2) 1–5% of the overweight or obese population attained a normal body mass index.ResultsBased on recent growth, the incidence of TKR and THR for OA is estimated to rise by 276% and 208%, respectively, by 2030. The total cost to the healthcare system would be $AUD5.32 billion, of which $AUD3.54 billion relates to the private sector. Projected growth in obesity rates would result in 24,707 additional TKRs totalling $AUD521 million. A population-level reduction in obesity could result in up to 8062 fewer procedures and cost savings of up to $AUD170 million.ConclusionsIf surgery trends for OA continue, Australia faces an unsustainable joint replacement burden by 2030, with significant healthcare budget and health workforce implications. Strategies to reduce national obesity could produce important TKR savings.

Healthcare Costs Associated with Early Complications Following Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Implantation

Background: Healthcare costs associated with complications following cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures are poorly understood. We examined the direct healthcare costs associated with CIED complications, and how these costs varied by the type of complication and device implanted. Method: We included patients aged ≥18 years with new CIEDs (pacemakers, ICDs and CRT-D/P) from 2010–15 from all states and territories except NT. We assessed major complications occurring in-hospital and within 90-days of discharge by linking records with subsequent hospitalisations and death registries. Costs were identified by matching the admission Diagnostic Related Group to the published schedules of public and private hospital costs from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection and converted to 2018 dollars. In-hospital costs were estimated by calculating the incremental costs associated with a complication using a generalised linear model, adjusted for other patient characteristics. To estimate post-discharge complications, we computed the cost of one or more readmissions for device-related complications. Results: 40,155 CIEDs (29,391 PPMs, 6,921 ICDs, 3,843 CRT-D/P) were included. Of these, 8.3% experienced a device-related complication with 3.3% occurring in-hospital and 5.3% post-discharge. In-hospital complications were associated with an average of $9,186 increase in costs per patient with post-procedural shock ($24,235) associated with the highest incremental cost. Post-discharge complications cost an average of $22,296 per patient with the highest cost in patients who required a generator reoperation ($49,167/patient). Conclusion: Early complications following CIED implantation are exceedingly costly. Reducing CIED complications not only reduces patient harm but offers a significant opportunity to reduce avoidable healthcare costs.

Use of fetal fibronectin testing in women transferred for threatened preterm labour in remote far north Queensland.

Threatened preterm labour is a common reason for medical transfer from remote communities; however, many transferred women do not deliver preterm. A tool for prediction of preterm birth such as fetal fibronectin may reduce transfers and related social and economic costs. To review the use of fetal fibronectin testing in women transferred for threatened preterm labour from Cape York to Cairns Hospital between 2011 and 2015 and determine the role testing could play in reducing transfers and associated costs. Records from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Cairns Hospital were accessed. Women transferred solely for threatened preterm labour were included in the study. Fetal fibronectin testing, hospital admission, outpatient stays and birth outcome data were collated and analysed. Costs were assigned using the National Hospital Cost Data Collection, round 19. Forty-seven women were included in the study; however, only 20 underwent fetal fibronectin testing. Transfer of 30 women who had either a negative test or were not tested but delivered at term resulted in 41 inpatient nights and 443 excess outpatient nights, costing an estimated AU$57408. Aeromedical transfers were estimated to cost a further $151500. Adherence to clinical guidelines and greater availability and use of fetal fibronectin testing in Cape York have the potential to reduce aeromedical transfers for threatened preterm labour. Substantial inpatient and excess outpatient stays could be avoided with associated reduction in health system and social costs. Strategies to improve adherence to guidelines and increase access to testing are required.

Socio-economic composition of low-acuity paediatric presentation at a regional hospital emergency department.

Despite increasing rates of emergency department (ED) utilisation, little is known about low-acuity presentations in children ≤5 years. The aims of the study were to estimate the proportion and cost of low-acuity presentations in children ≤5 years presenting to the ED and to determine the relative effect of socio-economic status (SES) on paediatric low-acuity presentations at the ED. This is a retrospective observational study of children ≤5 years presenting to the Cairns Hospital ED over 4 years. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association between SES and low-acuity presentations. Cost of low-acuity presentations was calculated based on triage score and admission status, using costs obtained from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection. A total of 23 086 children were included in the study, of whom 56.7% were male (mean age = 1.85 ± 1.63 years). Approximately one-third of ED visits were low-acuity presentations (32.4%), and low-acuity presentations increased progressively with SES. In multivariate analysis, children from families with very high SES were twice as likely to have a low-acuity presentation (odds ratio 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-2.85). Low-acuity ED presentations cost the health-care system in excess of A$895 000-A$1 110 000 per year. These findings demonstrate that a significant proportion of paediatric ED visits are of low acuity and that these visits yield a substantial cost to the health system. Further research is required regarding care givers' rationale and potentially other reasons underlying these low-acuity ED presentations.

Rising Annual Costs of Dizziness Presentations to U.S. Emergency Departments

Dizziness and vertigo account for roughly 4% of chief symptoms in the emergency department (ED). Little is known about the aggregate costs of ED evaluations for these patients. The authors sought to estimate the annual national costs associated with ED visits for dizziness. This cost study of adult U.S. ED visits presenting with dizziness or vertigo combined public-use ED visit data (1995 to 2009) from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) and cost data (2003 to 2008) from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). We calculated total visits, test utilization, and ED diagnoses from NHAMCS. Diagnosis groups were defined using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Clinical Classifications Software (HCUP-CCS). Total visits and the proportion undergoing neuroimaging for future years were extrapolated using an autoregressive forecasting model. The average ED visit cost-per-diagnosis-group from MEPS were calculated, adjusting to 2011 dollars using the Hospital Personal Health Care Expenditures price index. An overall weighted mean across the diagnostic groups was used to estimate total national costs. Year 2011 data are reported in 2011 dollars. The estimated number of 2011 US ED visits for dizziness or vertigo was 3.9 million (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.6 to 4.2 million). The proportion undergoing diagnostic imaging by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or both in 2011 was estimated to be 39.9% (39.4% CT, 2.3% MRI). The mean per-ED-dizziness-visit cost was $1,004 in 2011 dollars. The total extrapolated 2011 national costs were $3.9 billion. HCUP-CCS key diagnostic groups for those presenting with dizziness and vertigo included the following (fraction of dizziness visits, cost-per-ED-visit, attributable annual national costs): otologic/vestibular (25.7%; $768; $757 million), cardiovascular (16.5%, $1,489; $941 million), and cerebrovascular (3.1%; $1059; $127 million). Neuroimaging was estimated to account for about 12% of the total costs for dizziness visits in 2011 (CT scans $360 million, MRI scans $110 million). Total U.S. national costs for patients presenting with dizziness to the ED are substantial and are estimated to now exceed $4 billion per year (about 4% of total ED costs). Rising costs over time appear to reflect the rising prevalence of ED visits for dizziness and increased rates of imaging use. Future economic studies should focus on the specific breakdown of total costs, emphasizing areas of high cost and use that might be safely reduced.