Clinical severity and financial burden among road traffic injury patients in Kunming, China

This study aimed to describe the severity of injury (RTI), length of stay, costs, financial burden, and sources of payment for RTI patients in the Kunming area, Yunnan Province, China. Information was collected from interviewing 420 patients admitted with RTI during January to May 2005 and from medical records reviewed of all the patients admitted from January to 30 May 2005. The costs and financial burden of road casualties on the medical sector resources were found to be large (median = RMB 94,496) compared to the average per capita monthly income of the Yunnan population (RMB 798). Most patients had injuries of moderate severity. Pedestrians and passengers had the highest Injury Severity Score (ISS). The mean payments out-of-pocket, from the government and by compensation were RMB 5320, 10,190 and 11,190, respectively. In addition to prevention of RTI, a suitable insurance system is needed in the country.