Financial Cost of Genitourinary Foreign Objects: A Single-Institution Experience

To examine the financial cost and demographics of genitourinary foreign object (GUFO) management at an academic institution.

This retrospective study analyzed our Genitourinary Foreign Objects database containing patients from 2012 to 2020. Healthcare costs related to GUFO management were captured from billing and collections data. Encounters were evaluated for differences between community dwelling and incarcerated patients. Patients were also evaluated for differences in repeat presentations and were stratified as single or multiple inserters.

Thirty-nine patients comprising 204 encounters of inserted urethral foreign objects were reviewed in the 8-year period. Multiple encounter inserters (n=17) represented most of the encounters (n=182, 89%). Each GUFO encounter resulted in $9479 of medical charges. Total cost during the study period was $1,876,345.32 with $899,470.87 reimbursed.

We present the largest single-institution series of genitourinary foreign objects to date. GUFO costs an average of $9479 per patient encounter with a mix of community dwelling and incarcerated patients. Significant recurrent inserters were seen in both populations. This study contributes to the growing body of literature and provides a basis for the development of guidelines to improve patient care and optimize resource allocation within correctional facilities and the community.