Cost of managing cataracts. Evaluation of traditional hospitalization and ambulatory surgery
Nghiem-Buffet, M.H.; de Pouvourville, G.; Renard, G.; Ullern, M.; Boureau, C.; Chaine, G.
Presse Medicale 30(39-40 Pt 1: 1924-1926
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 11819921 Document Number: 539453
Demonstrate eventual differences and evaluate the medical costs of treatment of a cataract in traditional hospitalisation and out-patient surgical conditions. We conducted a study of minimisation costs in 3 ophthalmologic hospital departments. This retrospective study randomly selected the medical files of 250 patients (100 operated in the out-patient surgical department and 150 operated in traditional surgical conditions). Costs were evaluated on direct hospital costs, according to the standard costs method and the method of true costs. The mean total cost of a cataract is of 10,984 F in traditional hospital conditions and of 7,683 F in out-patient surgical conditions. In terms of direct hospital costs, treatment of cataracts in out-patient surgery appears more economic compared with traditional surgery. The difference in cost concerned the fixed hospital charges (structures and staff). Out-patient surgery will progress in France in the next few years, but traditional hospitalisation will still be required in ophthalmologic practice.