The high cost of medical care for patients who present late (CD4<200 cells/μL) with HIV infection

Abstract

Direct care costs in the year following HIV diagnosis were more than 200% higher for patients who presented late. This difference could not be attributed to differences in patient characteristics. Most costs were attributable to HIV-related hospital care costs and the immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy. While early diagnosis in those at risk for HIV remains medically important, the short-term economic impact is also substantial.