[Duration of treatment and case cost in different inpatient psychiatric facilities in Berlin]

In this study length of stay and costs per case were examined in three different types of psychiatric hospitals: Psychiatric departments in general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals each liable to provide in-patient care for a defined catchment area, and psychiatric departments in general hospitals without such liability. Data basis were all hospital treated cases in Berlin West that are covered by general insurance. Length of stay and costs differed significantly depending on the type of psychiatric hospital as well as on diagnoses, way of referral and age of patients. Psychiatric departments with catchment area have the shortest length of stay and lowest costs per case. This is independent of age, gender, way of referral and diagnosis of the patients. Influence of each factor is quantified.