Cost of neonatal intensive care

An analysis was made of the costs of provision for the intensive care of inborn babies in an inner city hospital equipped to deal with high risk obstetrics. Costs showed the expected inverse proportion to birthweight. The larger number of more mature babies nevertheless contributed almost 2/3 of the total cost. The adjusted cost/survivor ("adjusted" to reflect the fact that only the survivors benefit) was $39,845 for babies less than 801 g; $26,100 for those between 801 g and 1,000 g; $14,137 between 1,001 g and 1,500 g and $4,782 over 1,500 g. The largest single expense was in nursing salaries which constituted 60-80% of the total outlay. No data are available for precise comparison. The figures are presented as a basis on which to begin forming judgements of the cost effectiveness of newborn intensive care.