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Hospital cost of pediatric patients with complicated acute sinusitis
Reema Padia1, Andrew Thomas1, Jeremiah Alt1
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
Insights
Complicated acute sinusitis in children is rare but costly, averaging $20,748 per patient. Reducing healthcare expenses for these pediatric cases is crucial for better value of care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Healthcare Economics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Complicated acute sinusitis in children, though infrequent, presents a significant financial burden.
- Understanding the cost drivers is essential for optimizing resource allocation in pediatric healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the hospital costs associated with treating pediatric patients who have complicated acute sinusitis.
- To identify the main factors contributing to the variation in treatment costs.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series analyzed inpatient treatment costs for pediatric patients (under 18) admitted for complicated acute sinusitis.
- Data collected included demographics, length of stay, complication type, and costs from November 2010 to December 2014.
Main Results:
- The study included 64 pediatric patients with a mean age of 10 years.
- The average cost per patient was $20,748, with an average length of stay of 5.7 days.
- Orbital cellulitis, intracranial complications, and orbital abscesses were the most common complications, with pediatric intensive care unit stays and pharmacy costs significantly impacting overall expenses.
Conclusions:
- Complicated acute sinusitis in pediatric patients, while rare, incurs substantial healthcare costs.
- Identifying strategies to reduce these costs can enhance the value of care provided to these patients.
Objective:
Review costs for pediatric patients with complicated acute sinusitis.
Methods:
A retrospective case series of patients in a pediatric hospital was created to determine hospital costs using a standardized activity-based accounting system for inpatient treatment between November 2010 and December 2014. Children less than 18 years of age who were admitted for complicated acute sinusitis were included in the study. Demographics, length of stay, type of complication and cost of care were determined for these patients.
Results:
The study included 64 patients with a mean age of 10 years. Orbital cellulitis (orbital/preseptal/postseptal cellulitis) accounted for 32.8% of patients, intracranial complications (epidural/subdural abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis) for 29.7%, orbital abscesses (subperiosteal/intraorbital abscesses) for 25.0%, potts puffy tumor for 7.8%, and other (including facial abscess and dacryocystitis) for 4.7%. The average length of stay was 5.7 days. The mean cost per patient was $20,748. Inpatient floor costs (31%) and operating room costs (18%) were the two greatest expenditures. The major drivers in variation of cost between types of complications included pediatric intensive care unit stays and pharmacy costs.
Conclusion:
Although complicated acute sinusitis in the pediatric population is rare, this study demonstrates a significant financial impact on the health care system. Identifying ways to reduce unnecessary costs for these visits would improve the value of care for these patients.
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