Do hospital-acquired infections cause higher medical costs for discharged cancer center patients?
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while being treated in a hospital. For cancer patients, these infections can lead to longer hospital stays and higher medical costs. A 2024 study at a regional cancer center found that patients with HAIs had significantly higher hospitalization costs, diagnostic test and procedure costs, and longer lengths of stay compared to patients without HAIs. These infections also resulted in greater financial deficits under the Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) payment model, meaning the hospital lost more money on these cases. The study highlights the economic burden of HAIs in cancer care.
What the research says
A 2024 retrospective study analyzed medical insurance and HAI data from discharged patients at a regional cancer center. The study compared costs between patients with and without HAIs within major DIP categories. Results showed that the infected group had significantly higher hospitalization costs, diagnostic test and procedure costs, longer length of stay, and greater DIP deficits (all p < 0.05). The study also found that the number of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) types and surgical site wound contamination grade were positively correlated with higher costs and deficits 1.
Other research supports the finding that HAIs increase costs. A study from Serbia in 2023 found that HAIs in COVID-19 patients in the ICU led to higher median total costs and longer lengths of stay 4. A 2023 review also noted that healthcare-associated infections cause longer lengths of stay, increasing costs and mortality 5.
While the primary study focuses on cancer patients, the broader evidence confirms that HAIs generally raise medical costs across different patient populations. The specific economic impact on cancer centers is particularly concerning because cancer patients often have weakened immune systems and require complex treatments, making them more vulnerable to infections and their financial consequences.
What to ask your doctor
- What steps does the hospital take to prevent hospital-acquired infections in cancer patients?
- Are there specific infection risks for my type of cancer or treatment plan?
- How can I or my family help reduce the risk of infection during my hospital stay?
- What should I watch for after discharge that might indicate an infection?
- If I develop an infection, how might it affect my treatment costs or insurance coverage?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Oncology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.