Cost Analysis of Direct Medical Costs of Hyperglycemic Emergencies Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Government Hospital in the Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.01.5233Keywords:
health expenditure, direct medical cost, hyperglycemic emergenciesAbstract
Background. There is limited published local data on the direct medical costs of hyperglycemic emergencies. This study aimed to analyze direct medical costs incurred during hospitalization for hyperglycemic emergencies from a healthcare payer perspective.
Methodology. This is a retrospective cohort study done in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines. The primary outcome measure was the median cost and distribution of direct medical costs (in Philippine Pesos) incurred during hospitalization.
Results. Among 319 patients with cost data, the median direct medical cost was PhP 79,331.50 (USD 1,375.02; USD 1: PhP 57.69), representing approximately 22.5% of the average annual family income and 7.2 times the average annual healthcare expenditure per capita. HHS incurred the highest costs (PhP 143,902.77; USD 2,494.21) with diagnostic fees as the largest expense (PhP 41,507.00; USD 719.42). The total costs exceeded the coverage provided by PhilHealth, the national health insurance in the Philippines.
Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with lower-income patients incurring higher expenses due to delayed presentation and more severe illness.
Conclusion. This study highlights the substantial economic burden of hyperglycemic emergencies in a public tertiary hospital. As one of the first of its kind locally, the study informs policy efforts to reduce financial risk for vulnerable populations and optimize resource allocation for diabetes-related emergencies.
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