Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Abstract

A Prospective Study on Direct Out-of-Pocket Expenses of Hospitalized Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Philippine Tertiary Care Center

Fernandez Lenora* and Ang Blake Warren

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines and majority of the economic burden lies in hospitalizations during an exacerbation. Despite coverage of hospitalization cost with the national health insurance system (Phil-Health) for COPD exacerbations, patients often pay out-of-pocket. This study aimed to determine the demographic characteristics of COPD admissions at a Philippine tertiary care center, Philippine General Hospital, and assess mean cost of hospitalization, and identify predictors of prolonged hospitalization and cost >20,000 Philippine pesos (Php). A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months by chart review. Patients were categorized as charity service patients, that is, with no charged professional fees and free medications and private service patients who pay for their health care services. A total of 43 COPD admissions were included. The average daily cost of hospitalization (per 1,000 pesos) for service patients was at 4.25 compared to private service patients at 16. Demographic characteristics and type of accommodation were not significant, predictors of prolonged hospital stay nor hospitalization cost of >Php 20,000. Accommodation cost and professional fees accounted for majority of the overall cost for private patients, while medications and diagnostic tests were the major contributor to the overall cost for charity patients. Despite existence of Phil-health, in-patient coverage for COPD remains insufficient. Measures for maximizing COPD control in the out-patient setting could potentially reduce total cost for this disease.

Published Date: 2023-04-28; Received Date: 2023-03-28