Impact of physician awareness on hospital charges for radical retropubic prostatectomy

Abstract

Purpose: We determine if physician awareness of hospital costs for radical retropubic prostatectomy affects physician practice patterns.

Materials and methods: We reviewed 256 consecutive radical retropubic prostatectomies performed by 14 urologists during 4 years at a community hospital. After 2 years the physicians were provided information on factors that may decrease charges.

Results: Charges decreased significantly following intervention, from +f417,134 within the initial 2 years to +f413,826 within the last 2 years (p < 0.005). Significant decreases were noted for length of stay, need for intensive care, operating time and blood loss.

Conclusions: Traditional methods of physician education can impact practice patterns to decrease hospital charges for radical retropubic prostatectomy.