Hospitalization costs among 3 151 gastric cancer patients in Shanxi province,2003 to 2012

ObjectiveTo analyze influencing factors of hospitalization cost among gastric cancer patients and to provide evidences for rational allocation of health resources and the improvement of the medical security system.MethodsData on hospitalization cost for 3 151 gastric cancer inpatients in a third-level hospital in Shanxi province from 2003 to 2012 were extracted and analyzed with multivariate regression analysis.ResultsFor the patients during the period,the hospitalization cost showed an increasing trend,with a median hospitalization days of 16,the average hospitalization cost per patient of 15 888.97 yuan(RMB),and an average daily hospitalization cost per patient of 911.37 yuan.Drug expense accounted for 36.59% of total hospitalization costs,followed by the cost of operation(15.85%).The main significant influencing factors for the hospitalization cost among the patients were surgery,days of hospitalization,the ratio of drug cost,complications,status of medical security,treatment outcome,and occupation of the patient(all P <0.001).ConclusionHospitalizaion cost of gastric cancer patients was at a high level in Shanxi province during 2003 to 2012,suggesting medical security system should be improved to reduce the cost.