In the past 12 months, community hospitals experienced a 10.6% increase in the average direct cost per case, while academic medical centers saw an 11.5% higher cost, according to a report from Sg2, a Vizient company.
Between the second quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2025, the average direct cost per case rose from $7,024 to $7,769 in hospitals and from $11,853 to $13,216 in AMCs. Academic healthcare settings have larger costs due to higher cost complexity and resource utilization, according to Vizient.
The “System of CARE” report, published Nov. 11, is updated quarterly and tracks national metrics in patient throughput, access, quality and cost efficiency.
As of mid-2025, the average daily cost of care is $2,262 at AMCs and $1,708 at community hospitals. Those averages increased approximately 12.1% over the past year in both settings.
Access the report here.
