Key findings
Average cost per admission for 16 conditions and procedures.
Appendix removal
Without complications or comorbidities
Appendix removal (also called appendectomy) is a surgical procedure which is performed either through keyhole surgery or open surgery. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for the removal of the appendix without complications or comorbidities, malignant cancer or peritonitis.
In 2011–12, there were 13,099 admissions for appendix removal without complications or comorbidities, malignant cancer or peritonitis in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for appendix removal was $6,300. The average cost per admission ranged from $4,600 at one hospital to $10,100 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for appendix removal was $6,300. The average cost per admission ranged from $4,300 at one hospital to $9,300 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for appendix removal in 2011–12 was 2.2 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s appendix removal to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 4).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 4: Average cost for appendix removal without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Cellulitis
Without complications or comorbidities
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue which is usually treated with antibiotics. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for cellulitis without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 23,432 admissions for cellulitis without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for cellulitis was $3,800. The average cost per admission ranged from $1,900 at one hospital to $7,400 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for cellulitis was $4,000. The average cost per admission ranged from $2,700 at one hospital to $5,500 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for cellulitis in 2011–12 was 3.8 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 2.1 to 5.5 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 2.5 to 6.4 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for cellulitis to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 5).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Over half of the admissions for cellulitis are considered potentially preventable hospitalisations.8
Figure 5: Average cost for cellulitis without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Without complications or comorbidities
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterised by narrowing of the airways and reduced lung volume. This condition is commonly caused by smoking or other lung irritants, and includes diagnoses such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for COPD without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 20,764 admissions for COPD without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for COPD without complications was $5,500. The average cost per admission ranged from $3,300 at one hospital to $10,500 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for COPD without complications was $5,800. The average cost per admission ranged from $3,600 at one hospital to $7,800 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for COPD without complications in 2011–12 was 5.0 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay for COPD without complications ranged from 3.5 to 6.3 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 3.4 to 6.5 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for COPD without complications to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 6).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Admissions for COPD without complications are considered potentially preventable hospitalisations.8
Figure 6: Average cost for COPD without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
With complications or comorbidities
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterised by narrowing of the airways and reduced lung volume. This condition is commonly caused by smoking or other lung irritants, and includes diagnoses such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for COPD with complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 7,187 admissions for COPD with complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for COPD with complications was $9,700. The average cost per admission ranged from $5,900 at one hospital to $15,700 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for COPD with complications was $12,000. The average cost per admission ranged from $7,800 at one hospital to $17,800 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for COPD with complications in 2011–12 was 8.5 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay for COPD with complications ranged from 5.5 to 11.7 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 5.9 to 12.2 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for COPD with complications to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 7).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 7: Average cost for COPD with complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Heart failure
Without complications or comorbidities
Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood strongly enough around the body. It includes cardiac shock, which occurs when blood flow to vital organs is inadequate for normal function. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for heart failure without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 13,726 admissions for heart failure without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for heart failure without complications was $5,600. The average cost per admission ranged from $2,600 at one hospital to $9,500 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for heart failure without complications was $6,000. The average cost per admission ranged from $4,400 at one hospital to $8,000 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for heart failure without complications in 2011–12 was 5.1 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay for heart failure without complications ranged from 3.2 to 6.7 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 3.4 to 6.0 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for heart failure without complications to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additionalday(s)spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 8).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 8: Average cost for heart failure without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Heart failure
With complications or comorbidities
Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood strongly enough around the body. It includes cardiac shock, which occurs when blood flow to vital organs is inadequate for normal function. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for heart failure with complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 7,264 admissions for heart failure with complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for heart failure with complications was $11,800. The average cost per admission ranged from $7,500 at one hospital to $24,800 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for heart failure with complications was $12,900. The average cost per admission ranged from $8,300 at one hospital to $16,900 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for heart failure with complications in 2011–12 was 9.9 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay for heart failure with complications ranged from7.2 to 13.9 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 7.2 to 15.0 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for heart failure with complications to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 9).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 9: Average cost for heart failure with complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Sources:
National Health Performance Authority analysis of results calculated using the National Hospital Cost Data Collection 2011–12 and Admitted Patient Care National Minimum Dataset 2011–12.