Cost of hospitalization of pediatric covid-19 patients in a tertiary pediatric hospital in the Philippines.
- Author:
Angelo Martin B. Catacutan
;
Caridad Santos
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19;
hospitalization costs;
PHIC;
Health Financing
- From:
The Philippine Children’s Medical Center Journal
2022;18(1):19-31
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Out of pocket expenses still comprises a major share in health financing. A reactive approach
in COVID-19 treatment may be problematic for the patient’s finances. National health
insurance systems like PHIC have COVID-related care benefits, but whether these offer
sufficient coverage is unknown.
OBJECTIVES:This study aims to describe the hospitalization costs incurred by pediatric COVID-19 patients
admitted at a Filipino tertiary pediatric hospital, to determine the major cost drivers of
hospitalization, and to determine how various payment methods provide coverage in paying for
hospitalizations costs.
METHODS:Financial statements of pediatric COVID-19 patients were reviewed, from which costs were
categorized. Deductions were also compared with total hospitalization to determine adequacy
of various financial assistance programs.
RESULTS:Fifty-six charts and financial statements were reviewed for a 9-month period. Majority of the
patients are of the 1-month to 6-year-old group (39.3%), of critical severity (66.1%), and with
comorbidities (76.8%). Aggregated hospitalization costs of all COVID-19 patients amounted to
PHP 9.5 million; medical costs accounted for the majority of the hospital costs at 35.40%. Mean
total hospitalization cost per patient was determined to be PHP 170,170 and mean daily cost was PHP 16,870. PHIC COVID-19 packages may provide deducted as much as 90.56% of the
overall costs, but only 28.6% of patients were able to avail of this privilege. Out-of-pocket
expenditure remains at 33% of the total hospitalization cost.
CONCLUSION:COVID-19 hospitalization in this institution mainly consists of the 1-month to 6 years old, and
the costs in the average can reach up approximately PHP 170,000, as basic medical fees drive
the majority of the costs. Patients with no known comorbids tend to have higher costs of care
but more data is needed to elaborate on the trend. Availing PHIC packages can greatly
ameliorate the financial burden of hospitalization. However, checks in timely and accurate filing
of claims should be in place to assure those that can avail this assistance are rightfully supported.
RECOMMENDATIONS:A larger patient base with equal representation of patient categories is recommended in order to
determine more comprehensive cost patterns and make significant associations.
- Full text:Cost of hospitalization of pediatric1.pdf
