How Expensive Are Hospitalizations by COVID-19? Evidence From Colombia

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• COVID-19 has imposed significant financial burdens on healthcare systems globally.
• Estimating direct medical costs is crucial for resource allocation and policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the direct medical costs of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Colombia.
• To identify the primary cost drivers associated with these hospitalizations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cost-of-illness study using data from a Colombian Benefit Plan Administrator.
• Analysis of 113 confirmed COVID-19 cases hospitalized between March 15 and May 29, 2020.
• Stratified cost analysis by demographics, comorbidities, and hospitalization type (general ward vs. ICU), with cost drivers identified using a generalized linear model.

Main Results:

• The median cost for a COVID-19 hospitalization was $1688, with men incurring 1.4 times higher costs than women.
• Intensive care unit (ICU) stays were significantly more expensive, with a median cost of $4118, three times higher than general ward admissions.
• Significant cost drivers included ICU admission, length of stay, presence of comorbidities (especially hypertension), and treatment location (Cartagena).

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 hospitalizations in Colombia represent a considerable direct medical cost.
• These costs are notably higher than those associated with other infectious diseases like influenza in Colombia.
• Findings underscore the economic impact of the pandemic and inform healthcare planning and resource management.