Conditions and procedures

The report provides the average cost per admission for 16 conditions and procedures, which together represent major areas of medical and surgical care, for major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.

The report found the cost of some conditions and procedures were nearly four times higher when comparing hospitals against their peers.

It is important to note that cost figures for the 16 conditions and procedures are not adjusted to take account of differences in the complexity of the condition or patient characteristics that can lead to legitimate increases in costs. They also do not reflect 100% of the actual costs for each condition or procedure. The quoted costs are instead a subset of total costs that are considered comparable (see ‘More about the contextual measures’).

Appendix removal without complications

In 2011–12, there were 13,099 admissions for appendix removal without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $6,300. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $4,600 at one hospital to $10,100 at another hospital.

Cellulitis without complications

In 2011–12, there were 23,432 admissions for cellulitis without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $3,800. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $1,900 at one hospital to $7,400 at another hospital.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease without complications

In 2011–12, there were 20,764 admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $5,500. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $3,300 at one hospital to $10,500 at another hospital.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with complications

In 2011–12, there were 7,187 admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $9,700. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $5,900 at one hospital to $15,700 at another hospital.

Heart failure without complications

In 2011–12, there were 13,726 admissions for heart failure without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $5,600. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $2,600 at one hospital to $9,500 at another hospital.

Heart failure with complications

In 2011–12, there were 7,264 admissions for heart failure with complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $11,800. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $7,500 at one hospital to $24,800 at another hospital.

Kidney and urinary tract infections without complications

In 2011–12, there were 19,628 admissions for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $3,400. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $1,900 at one hospital to $5,600 at another hospital.

Kidney and urinary tract infections with complications

In 2011–12, there were 8,821 admissions for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $9,000. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $5,500 at one hospital to $14,600 at another hospital.

Hip replacement without complications

In 2011–12, there were 6,729 hip replacements without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $19,400. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $12,500 at one hospital to $25,600 at another hospital.

Knee replacement without complications

In 2011–12, there were 5,613 knee replacements without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $18,800. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $10,600 at one hospital to $29,300 at another hospital.

Gallbladder removal without complications

In 2011–12, there were 13,034 admissions for gallbladder removal without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $7,400. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $4,800 at one hospital to $13,000 at another hospital.

Prostate removal without complications 

In 2011–12, there were 3,438 admissions for prostate removal without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $6,300. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $4,700 at one hospital to $7,500 at another hospital.

Vaginal delivery without complications

In 2011–12, there were 53,234 vaginal deliveries without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $4,600. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $2,200 at one hospital to $6,500 at another hospital.

Caesarean delivery without complications

In 2011–12, there were 23,935 caesarean deliveries without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $8,800. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $5,500 at one hospital to $15,300 at another hospital.

Gynaecological reconstructive procedures without complications

In 2011–12, there were 2,793 admissions for gynaecological reconstructive procedures without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $6,300. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $4,100 at one hospital to $8,000 at another hospital.

Hysterectomy without complications

In 2011–12, there were 4,373 admissions for hysterectomy without complications in major public hospitals. In major metropolitan public hospitals the average cost per admission was $9,200. These hospitals reported an average cost per admission ranging from $5,400 at one hospital to $19,900 at another hospital.