Researchers analyzed data of approximately 54,000 surgical patients from 129 VA hospitals in fiscal year 2010. Of the surgical patients, 3.2 percent experienced an SSI.
On average, the cost to treat a patient with an SSI was $52,620, compared to $31,580 for patients without an SSI.
Researchers noted that the type and severity of the SSI also influenced cost. Deep SSIs were associated with costs 1.93 times higher than patients without SSIs, and superficial SSIs were associated with costs 1.25 times higher.
Researchers concluded that SSIs are linked to significant excess costs. They estimated that if the 10th percentile of VA hospitals reduced their SSI rates to those of hospitals in the 50th percentile, the Veterans Health Administration could save approximately $6.7 million a year.
More Articles on SSIs:
How to Engage Infection Preventionists in the OR
15 Best Practices to Prevent SSIs
3 Tips to Prevent Cardiac SSIs From Cleveland Clinic
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.
