Hospitalization costs and complications in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Beijing, China

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate hospitalization costs, diabetes complications, and their relationships using a large dataset in Beijing, China. METHODS: Data for 2006-10 from the 38 top-ranked (Grade 3 A) hospitals in Beijing, obtained from electronic Hospitalization Summary Reports (HSRs), were analyzed for hospitalization costs and diabetic complications. Patient demographics, types of costs, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were also evaluated. RESULTS: During the period evaluated, 62 523 patients with diabetes were hospitalized, of which 41 875 (67.0 %) had diabetes-associated complications. The median cost of hospitalization for diabetic patients was 7996.11 RMB. Prescribed drugs and laboratory tests were two major contributors to hospitalization costs, accounting for 36.2 % and 22.4 %, respectively. Hospitalization costs were significantly associated with LOS, number of complications, age, year of admission, admission status, sex, and medical insurance (P < 0.001). Both hospitalization costs and LOS increased substantially with an increase in the number of complications (P < 0.001). The highest hospitalization costs were seen in those diabetic patients with foot complications. CONCLUSION: Diabetic complications have a significant effect on increases in hospitalization costs and LOS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.