Primary Article

Inpatients With AIDS and AIDS-Related Complex: Economic Impact on Hospitals in North Carolina

Authors: L. SCOTT CAMPBELL, MHA, JANE STEIN, MS, LISE K. FONDREN, MA, W. PAUL KORY, MD, MPH, LUCY A. SAVIT,Z MBA, KERRY E. KILPATRICK, PhD, THOMAS C. RICKETTS, III, PhD, KATHLEEN DALTON, REBECCA A. MERIWETHER, MD, WYATT E. ROYE, MHA

Abstract

To determine the economic impact of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) cases on North Carolina hospitals, we collected inpatient data from all North Carolina hospitals on charges and number of patients discharged with these diagnoses. More than 97% of the state's hospitals responded to the survey for the study year (1987–1988). There were 540 AIDS/ARC discharges from 58 North Carolina general hospitals and 125 AIDS/ARC discharges from 13 other types of hospitals, for a statewide total of 665 patients. The total general hospital charges for AIDS/ARC inpatients in North Carolina were approximately $7.7 million per year, and almost $2 million of these charges were uncompensated by any insurance. The greatest burden of cost for this care was borne disproportionately by 15 of the 58 general hospitals, accounting for 82% of the discharges.

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References