Average Cost of Common Hospital Stays (HCUP)

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Average Cost of Common Hospital Stays (HCUP)

Learn about the average cost for common hospital stays, by diagnosis. Average cost per stay for all diagnoses was $11,700 in 2016. Based on information included in the report, it appears that the 2017 average cost per stay was about $12,100. Therefore the estimated cost in 2022 dollars with medical inflation alone, would be about $13,900 per hospital stay. These numbers are estimated costs, NOT prices; they do not include physician fees. Add at least 15% for medical cost inflation to 2022.

Report shows 20 conditions with the highest total inpatient costs in 2017. Consumers can calculate the 2017 average cost (a convenience not provided in this report, unfortunately) for more than 20 conditions. For example, the average cost per stay for osteoarthritis calculates to about $15,900 (2017 dollars). The average cost per stay for a liveborn (newborn) calculates to about $4,000. Conditions include septicemia, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, newborn baby, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, coronary atherosclerosis, stroke, diabetes with complications, COPD, pneumonia, hip fracture, depression (using Medicaid data), obesity, and more. Breakouts are shown for Medicare, Medicaid, and private payer cases. Prices or charges will be higher. Statistical Brief #261 National Inpatient Hospital Costs: The Most Expensive Conditions by Payer, 2017 from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), AHRQ July 2020.