Analysis of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Costs across New York State Hospitals Using Severity of Illness...

Using data on surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia we evaluated the effect of beneficiary health status on hospital reported costs.

We examined the records of 9,895 patients in the New York State Hospital Inpatient Cost Transparency database who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including laser prostatectomy and traditional transurethral resection of the prostate, in New York State from 2009 to 2011.

Using the 3M™ APR-DRG (All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group) severity of illness index as a measure of patient preoperative health we found a significant increase in the cost of transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with higher severity of illness scores. We confirmed an increase in the cost and the cost variability of transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with higher severity of illness scores.

Our findings illustrate the inherent unpredictability of cost forecasting and budgeting for these patients.