Short term cost of care for the surviving periviable neonate

Abstract

Objective: To determine the hospital cost and distribution of financial charges for the initial hospitalization of the surviving periviable neonate.

Study design: In this retrospective case series, we analyzed medical records and financial data for neonates 23-25 weeks' gestational age in a single tertiary care NICU over 42 months. A detailed breakdown of hospital cost components and charges was determined for all survivors during their initial hospitalization. Statistical significance was determined using the Bonferroni-Sidak method.

Results: Overall survival was 78% in infants born at 23-25 weeks' gestational age. Survival increased and length of stay and hospital costs decreased with increased gestational age (p < 0.05 for all). Hospital charges were distributed as: NICU 56%, respiratory 11%, pharmacy 6%, laboratory 6%, radiology 6%, surgery 1%, neonatology 13% and miscellaneous 1%.

Conclusion: Our study describes the hospital cost and distribution of charges for the periviable neonate during the initial hospitalization. These economic data may guide clinicians in quality improvement and cost management.

Keywords: Neonatology; charges; economics; finances.