In-patient Medical Service Charge of Pediatric Patients with Asthma at BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Abstract

In-patient Medical Service Charge of Pediatric Patients with Asthma at BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Panadda Suwan MD

Department of Pediatrics, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Objective: To evaluate medical service charge of pediatrics patients admitted to BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital for their asthma.

Study design: Retrospective descriptive study.

Subjects: A total of 136 children, newborn - 15 years old, who were admitted to BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 due to asthmatic attack.

Methods: Data including basic characteristics, clinical data and medical service charge were collected from in-patient medical records and from hospital computer-based data of children with asthmatic attack admitted to the Department of Pediatrics and were analyzed.

Main outcome measures: Medical service charge of asthmatic children.

Results: Total medical charge of children with asthmatic attack admitted in BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital continually increased from 2006 to 2007 and 2008: 106,597.00, 221,653.25 and 251,156.75 Baht. The respective average medical service charges per admission and per day were: 2368.80 and 775.43 Baht in 2006, 5037.60 and 1104.00 Baht in 2007, 5343.80 and 1171.80 Baht in 2008. There was significant difference between 2006 and 2007, 2006 and 2008. Main expenses in sequential order were: the cost of medication, medical service, room charge, and cost of oxygen therapy. Asthmatic patients younger than 5 years old, patients who had co-morbidity, or with complications had significantly longer stay and higher medical charges than those of the older age group, and those without co-morbidities, or complications.

Conclusion: Total medical charge per year, per admission, and per day cost of an asthma children admitted to BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital increased from 2006 to 2008. Medical charge of asthmatic admission was significantly associated with age, length of stay, co-morbidities and complications.

Keywords: medical charge, asthma, children

Vajira Med J 2010 ; 54 : 159-170