How Should the Treatment Costs of Distal Radius Fractures Be Measured? Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common, but the best way to measure the total cost of treating these injuries is not known. We conducted a study to measure the total treatment cost of DRFs to identify which items should be measured, and for how long, to capture all major cost-drivers. Eighty-two patients with DRFs were included in this prospective, observational study. All costs, both direct and indirect, were measured. Direct costs were measured for each patient from internal billing records. Indirect costs were obtained with a customized questionnaire. The major contributors to overall cost were physician fees, operating room costs, occupational therapy, and missed work, which together accounted for 92% of total cost. Recurring indirect costs largely resolved within 3 months for nonoperative management and within 6 months for operative management. Physician fees, operating room costs, occupational therapy, and missed work are the major cost-drivers for DRFs and should be measured for at least 6 months after injury. Indirect costs, particularly those associated with missed work, represent a significant amount of the total overall cost.

publication date

  • January 1, 2017

Research

keywords

  • Health Care Costs
  • Orthopedic Procedures
  • Radius Fractures

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85015349111

PubMed ID

  • 28235121

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 46

issue

  • 1