Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Published on: January 28, 2014
Inpatient Treatment Patterns and Health Care Expenditures for Hepatocellular Carcinoma among the Population with
Fen Du1, Diana Chirovsky2, Xian Jun Xiong3
1Beijing Brainpower Pharma Consulting Co., Beijing, China.
Insights
Most Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) received active treatment, but disparities in care and costs exist across regions. Nearly a third of patients only received palliative care, highlighting areas for healthcare improvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Services Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding treatment patterns and healthcare expenditures is crucial for effective resource allocation in China's healthcare system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify inpatient treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To analyze healthcare expenditures for HCC among the urban basic health insurance (BHI) population in China.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Chinese Health Insurance Research Association database for HCC hospitalizations (2008-2011).
- Assessed treatment approaches and hospital expenditures, analyzing data by city level and hospital tier.
- Extrapolated findings to the national urban BHI population.
Main Results:
- Over two-thirds of HCC hospitalizations (68%) received active treatment, primarily traditional Chinese medicine and transarterial intervention.
- Significant disparities in active treatment use were observed based on city level and hospital tier.
- Hospital expenditures were considerably higher in major cities and top-tier hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Active treatment for HCC is common in China, but significant regional disparities exist.
- Nearly one-third of patients received only palliative care, indicating a need for improved treatment access.
- The study provides critical insights into HCC resource utilization and costs, informing healthcare reform priorities in China.
Objective:
To identify inpatient treatment patterns and health care expenditures for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among the population with urban basic health insurance (BHI) in China.
Methods:
Hospitalizations for patients 18 years or older with discharge diagnosis of HCC from 2008 to 2011 and enrolled in the Chinese BHI plan were identified from the Chinese Health Insurance Research Association database. Treatment approaches and hospital expenditures were assessed for the full sample, and according to city level and hospital tier. Analyses were extrapolated to the national urban BHI population.
Results:
A total of 3679 HCC hospitalizations were identified in the period 2008 to 2011, representing 615,359 hospitalizations among the urban BHI population. More than two-thirds of the patients received active treatment during hospitalization (68%, N = 418,394), most commonly with traditional Chinese medicine (51%) and/or transarterial intervention therapy (21%). Cases from larger level 1 cities and larger tier 3 hospitals reported greater use of active treatments (81% and 83%, respectively) than did those from smaller level 3 cities (46%) or tier 1 hospitals (56%). Hospital expenditures were higher in level 1 cities (mean [95% confidence interval] Chinese currency renminbi [¥] 17,119 [¥16,292-¥17,946]; US $2,506 [$2,385-$2,628]) than in level 3 cities (mean [95% confidence interval] ¥7,870 [¥5,775-¥9,964]; $1,152 [$846-$1,459]).
Conclusions:
Most patients with HCC received active treatment during hospitalization in China. There were substantial disparities, however, in the use of HCC treatments across different economic regions, and nearly a third received only palliative care. With the recent launch of health care reform, this study provides valuable insights into current resource use and costs for HCC in China to help prioritize areas of improvement.
More Related Videos
05:06A "Patient-Like" Orthotopic Syngeneic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis
Published on: October 24, 2015
06:55Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Propensity Score using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:26Traditional Level Of Health Care System
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:21Health Literacy