Researchers studied national hospitalization data to identify patients diagnosed with S. aureus infections from 2010 through 2014. They analyzed treatment costs in aggregate and by three infection types: S. aureus blood stream infections, S. aureus pneumonia infections and other S. aureus infections.
The study shows, contrary to previous research, MRSA is not more expensive to treat than MSSA. After controlling for differences in patient populations, researchers found costs for the two were similar; however, skin and soft tissue MSSA infections were more expensive.
Additionally, the study shows MRSA patients face higher mortality rates than MSSA patients.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Viewpoint: Transparency on care quality, cost can revolutionize healthcare
Washington nurse accused of infecting patients with hep C loses nursing license, claims she ‘did not do this’
10 new genetic tests entering market daily, study finds
