Aspergillosis is an infection caused by mold, and invasive aspergillosis complicates care of up to 13 percent of immunocompromised patients in the United States.
Researchers analyzed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Health Care Utilization Project’s data from 2009 to 2013. They compared characteristics and outcomes between patients with invasive aspergillosis and those without.
Of the 66.6 million patients included in the study, 0.2 percent had an invasive aspergillosis diagnosis. After propensity score matching, researchers found both mortality and 30-day readmission rates were higher in the invasive aspergillosis group.
Additionally, invasive aspergillosis was associated with six excess days in the hospital and added $15,542 to the average cost per hospitalization.
“Given nearly 40,000 annual admissions for [invasive aspergillosis] in the United States, the aggregate IA-attributable excess costs may reach $600 million annually,” study authors concluded.
More articles on healthcare quality:
CMS survey reveals serious deficiencies at South Dakota hospital
Patient’s fatal overdose sparks investigation at Oakland Medical Center
Illicit drug combos complicate overdose treatment in Maryland ERs, study finds
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.