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The cost of hospitalization for firearm injuries
M J Martin1, T K Hunt, S B Hulley
1Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Insights
Firearm injuries cost hospitals millions annually, with taxpayers covering the vast majority of these expenses. This study highlights the significant public financial burden of gun violence, impacting healthcare policy discussions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Firearm injuries represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the economic impact of firearm injuries is crucial for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the hospital costs and sources of payment for firearm injuries.
- To analyze the financial burden of firearm-related hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of hospital records for all patients admitted with firearm injuries in 1984.
- Analysis of hospital costs (excluding professional fees) for the first hospitalization.
- Population-based sample representing all firearm victims hospitalized in San Francisco.
Main Results:
- Total hospital costs for firearm injuries in 1984 were $905,809, averaging $6915 per patient.
- Public sources covered 85.6% of the costs, while private sources covered 14.4%.
- Estimated annual national costs exceed $1 billion.
Conclusions:
- Taxpayers bear the majority of the financial burden for firearm injuries.
- These findings have significant implications for legislators considering firearm control legislation.
- The economic impact underscores the need for comprehensive firearm violence prevention strategies.
Abstract:
The hospital records for all patients (N = 131) admitted during 1984 to San Francisco General Hospital because of firearm injuries were studied to determine the hospital costs and sources of payment for these injuries. Because San Francisco General Hospital is the regional trauma center, the sample is population based, representing all firearm victims hospitalized in San Francisco during 1984. Only hospital costs (excluding professional fees) for the first hospitalization were studied. The total costs for the year were $905,809, an average cost per patient of $6915. Public sources paid 85.6% of this cost, while private sources paid only 14.4%. These findings have important implications for legislators considering bills to restrict the availability of firearms. These legislators must be aware that the issue is not simply one of individual rights, since taxpayers pay most of the costs (estimated to be more than $1 billion per year for the United States) associated with firearm injuries.