High Cost of Stage IV Pressure Ulcers
This information was taken from an article published in the American Journal of Surgery
Harold Brem, MD, Jason Maggi, MD, […], and Bruce Vladeck, PhD
Objective
To calculate and analyze the cost of treatment for stage IV pressure ulcers.
Methods
A retrospective chart analysis of patients with stage IV pressure ulcers was conducted. Hospital records and treatment outcomes of these patients were followed for a maximum of 29 months and analyzed. Costs directly related to the treatment of pressure ulcers and their associated complications were calculated.
Results
Nineteen patients with stage IV pressure ulcers (11 hospital-acquired and 8 community-acquired) were identified and their charts reviewed. The average hospital treatment cost associated with stage IV pressure ulcers and related complications was $129,248 for hospital-acquired ulcers during one admission, and $124,327 for community-acquired ulcers over an average of 4 admissions.
Conclusions
The costs incurred from stage IV pressure ulcers are much greater than previously estimated. Halting the progression of early stage pressure ulcers has the potential to eradicate enormous pain and suffering, save thousands of lives, and reduce healthcare expenditures by millions of dollars.
