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The cost of laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy in a community hospital
1Department of Surgery, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown 44272, USA.
Insights
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lap chole) has higher total charges and reimbursements for privately insured patients compared to open cholecystectomy. However, lap chole leads to faster return to work, significantly reducing employer disability costs.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Surgical Outcomes
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lap chole) is a common surgical procedure.
- Comparing economic and recovery outcomes between lap chole and open cholecystectomy is crucial for healthcare providers and employers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare hospital and professional costs, charges, and reimbursements for lap chole versus open cholecystectomy.
- To evaluate the impact of surgical approach on patient return to work and associated disability costs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital and professional financial data.
- Analysis of charges and reimbursements for lap chole and open chole procedures.
- Comparison of return-to-work timelines and estimated disability cost savings.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall hospital costs between lap chole and open chole.
- Lap chole incurred an 8% higher mean total charge and a 23% higher mean total reimbursement for privately insured patients.
- Lap chole patients returned to work 11 days sooner, potentially decreasing employer short-term disability costs by 69%.
Conclusions:
- While lap chole may have higher direct costs for privately insured individuals, its benefits include faster recovery and significant reductions in employer-borne disability expenses.
- Clinical variables influencing total charges and reimbursement warrant further investigation for optimizing surgical financial outcomes.
Abstract:
This retrospective study reviewed the hospital and professional costs, charges, and reimbursements for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lap chole) and open cholecystectomy (open chole) and compared the two procedures. There was no significant difference in hospital costs between lap and open chole procedures; however, there were marked differences in the categories of costs for each procedure. The mean total (hospital and professional) charge was 8% greater for lap chole. The mean total (hospital and professional) reimbursement for patients with private insurance was 23% greater for lap chole, but no significant difference was seen for patients on Medicare or Medicaid. Lap chole patients returned to work 11 days sooner than open chole patients; this can result in a 69% decrease in short-term disability costs to employers. The clinical variables that significantly affect total charges and reimbursement are discussed.
