Pharmacy department costs and patient charges associated with a home parenteral nutrition program

The pharmacy department costs of a home parenteral nutrition (HPN) program were identified, and the patient charges for HPN were compared with the charges for hospitalization for parenteral nutrition. Ten patients were randomly selected from 55 patients active in the HPN program at the University of Washington Hospital. Cost identification included quantification of supplies, personnel, equipment, freight, miscellaneous, and indirect costs. Patient charges were identified through billing documents. Charges included clinic visits and laboratory tests. Inpatient charges were identified in a similar manner and included a standard daily hospital charge. Average yearly costs to the pharmacy department were nearly +9000 per HPN patient. Patient charges for HPN were +48.19 per infusion day compared with +205.68 per infusion day for the hospitalized patient. The cost savings of HPN to the patient and the hospital were clearly demonstrated.