Abstract
In the 2½ year period between Jan. 1973 and June 1975, 75 infants weighing ≤1000 gms. at birth were cared for at CSMC. Thirty infants (40%) survived. Nineteen of 27 Infants tested (70%) appear to be neurologically and developmentally (Gesell) “normal” at 1-2½ years of age.
Records of hospital charges were available for analysis on 59 of 75 infants (79%). All charges were adjusted to Sept. 1976 rates and corrected for a 94% collection rate. Physician charges represented <5% of the total bill and were not included. Average length of survival for the 45 infants who died was 17 days (range 1-165). Average daily cost for these infants was $879; average total cost $15,145 (range $72-$124,627). Average length of hospital stay for the 30 surviving infants was 89 days (range 51-194). Average daily cost for these infants was $479; average total cost $40,287 (range $10,744-$106,050). Percentage breakdown of total cost for all infants was as follows: room charges-43%, ventilator and 02 support-19%, blood gases-11%, pharmacy-9%, laboratory-8%. central supply-5%. x-ray-4%. miscellaneous-l%.
If the total cost for all 75 infants is used as the basis on which to calculate the cost of survival, then the average total cost per surviving infant was $61,641. Average total cost per “normal” surviving infant was $88,059. It is our belief that the outcome justifies this expense. Society, however, must be the ultimate judge.
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Pomerance, J., Ukrainski, C., Ukra, T. et al. THE COST OF LIVING FOR INFANTS ≤1000 GMS. AT BIRTH. Pediatr Res 11, 381 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00073
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00073