Hospitalization costs of COPD cases and its associated factors: an observational study at two large public tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has imposed a considerable economic burden. However, there remains a paucity of relevant evidence regarding the hospitalization costs of COPD cases. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the hospitalization costs among COPD cases and investigate the factors that contribute to their costs in Henan Province, China.MethodsWe enrolled a total of 1697 cases who were discharged with a diagnosis of COPD from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, into the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the cases were obtained from the hospital information system (HIS) of two large tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China. The factors associated with hospitalization costs were examined using a multiple linear regression model.ResultsTotal hospitalization costs of 1697 COPD cases were $5,419,011, and the median was $1952 (IQR:2031). Out-of-pocket fees accounted for 43.95% of the total hospitalization costs, and the median was $938 (IQR:956). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hospitalization costs were higher among older cases, cases with more comorbidities, and cases with longer length of stay. Furthermore, hospitalization costs were higher in cases who paid through private expenses compared to those covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance. Additionally, we found that cases admitted through an outpatient clinic had higher hospitalization costs than those admitted through the emergency department.ConclusionHospitalization costs of COPD cases are substantial. Strategies to reduce hospitalization costs, such as shortening LOS, optimizing payment plans, and preventing or managing complications, should be implemented to alleviate the economic burden associated with COPD hospitalizations.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the hospitalization costs among patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Henan Province, China, and investigate the factors contributing to their costs. Through a survey of 1697 COPD patients from two large tertiary hospitals, it was found that the hospitalization costs of COPD cases were substantial, with higher costs for older patients, patients with more comorbidities, and longer length of stay. Strategies should be implemented to reduce hospitalization costs for COPD patients.