Cost evaluation during 2002 in a Medicine/ Immunodeficiency hospital outpatient attendance

Abstract

Governments, hospital administrators and health providers are
always concerned with economical resources consumption in
Health, being HIV care and follow-up nowadays considered as
one of the areas of major consumption.
By studying the outpatients of the Consulta de Medicina/
Imunodeficiência of the Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos
(Lisboa) during a year (2002), we have concretely tried to assess its functioning costs.
Material and Methods: The study included the outpatients of
the Consulta de Medicina/Imunodeficência of the Hospital de
Santo António dos Capuchos that were observed, at least twice,
during 2002.
Cost evaluation concerning consultation, blood tests and other
exams was based in the values defined in the Grupos de Diagnósticos Homogéneos (GDHs).
Antiretroviral therapy costs were estimated according to the
values provided by the Hospital Pharmacy and assuming its monthly dispense.
Results: During 2002, 107 patients were observed, in a total
of 498 consultations (€11.424). Viral load was assessed 244
times (€24.321) and CD4 studies 245 times (€15.445). Other
blood tests totalled €36.586. Eighty-five of the 107 patients were
on antiretroviral therapy, with an average expense per patient of €7.122.
Eighteen patients had to be admitted in the Hospital, for a total of 219 days (€41.699).
Conclusion: The yearly average cost per patient was €6.408.