Private Hospital Acute Stroke Care Costs: Patient's Viewpoint

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the direct medical cost of acute stroke care during hospitalization at a private hospital in Malaysia.

METHODS: The retrospective extraction of medical and billing records was conducted on a sample of 180 patients who were admitted to a private hospital in Malaysia for acute stroke between January and December 2022. This study encompassed individuals diagnosed with either acute ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. The direct medical costs associated with acute stroke care encompass several components such as medication, medical supplies and equipment, laboratory investigations, medical imaging investigations, rehabilitation services, consultations, nursing care, unit costs of treatment per bed, inpatient registration, dialysis, and special diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, relevant data pertaining to the patient's demographic characteristics, duration of hospitalization, classification of stroke, and method of payment were extracted. Ethical approval has obtained from KPJ Healthcare University Research Ethic Committee.

RESULTS: A total of 180 patients, with ischemic (79.4%) and hemorrhagic strokes (20.6%). The average patient age was 60.69 years, with 54.4% males. Hospital stays averaged 4.56 days, ranging from 1 to 27 days. About 80% of admissions were covered by private insurance, while 20% were out-of-pocket expenses. The average total cost was RM15,670.70, with varying component costs: medication RM3035.84, medical supplies RM2779.88, laboratory investigations RM1103.22, imaging investigations RM1134.27, rehabilitation services RM427.94, consultations RM4008.62, nursing care RM1874.50, ICU ward RM358.78, medical ward RM 654.89, special diagnostic procedures RM203.58 and others. ICU stays for hemorrhagic stroke patients RM643.24 were significantly higher than ischemic stroke patients RM285.18 (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the average total direct medical cost for acute stroke hospitalization as RM15,670.70, with costs varying across components from RM40 to RM4008.62. This study shows numerous aspects of acute stroke care costs in private hospital with unwavering healthcare professional dedication.