Key findings
Kidney and urinary tract infections
Without complications or comorbidities
Kidney and urinary tract infections occur frequently but can occasionally be severe enough to require treatment in hospital. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for kidney or urinary tract infections without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 19,628 admissions for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications was $3,400. The average cost per admission ranged from $1,900 at one hospital to $5,600 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications was $3,800. The average cost per admission ranged from $2,500 at one hospital to $6,000 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications in 2011–12 was 3.2 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications ranged from 2.0 to 4.4 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 2.2 to 4.5 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 10).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 10: Average cost for kidney and urinary tract infections without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Kidney and urinary tract infections
With complications or comorbidities
Kidney and urinary tract infections occur frequently but can occasionally be severe enough to require treatment in hospital. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for kidney or urinary tract infections with complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 8,821 admissions for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications was $9,000. The average cost per admission ranged from $5,500 at one hospital to $14,600 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications was $10,000. The average cost per admission ranged from $7,200 at one hospital to $12,200 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications in 2011–12 was 7.5 days.7At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications ranged from 5.2 to 9.5 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 5.5 to 10.1 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s admission for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 11).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of treating this condition. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 11: Average cost for kidney and urinary tract infections with complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Hip replacement
Without complications or comorbidities
Hip replacements, also known as hip arthroplasty, are most commonly performed to restore joint function following damage caused by arthritis. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for a hip replacement without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 6,729 hip replacements without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost of a hip replacement was $19,400. The average cost of a hip replacement ranged from $12,500 at one hospital to $25,600 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost of a hip replacement was $18,900. The average cost of a hip replacement ranged from $12,000 at one hospital to $25,300 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for a hip replacement in 2011–12 was 6.4 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 3.8 day to 15.0 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 3.2 to 9.6 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s hip replacement to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 12).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 12: Average cost for a hip replacement without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Knee replacement
Without complications or comorbidities
Knee replacements, also known as knee arthroplasty, are surgical procedures to replace a damaged knee, most commonly for arthritis. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for a knee replacement without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 5,613 knee replacements without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost of a knee replacement was $18,800. The average cost of a knee replacement ranged from $10,600 at one hospital to $29,300 at another.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost of a knee replacement was $18,100. The average cost of a knee replacement ranged from $10,700 at one hospital to $22,600 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for a knee replacement in 2011–12 was 5.5 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 3.3 to 8.7 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 2.1 to 9.5 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s knee replacement to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 13).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 13: Average cost for a knee replacement without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Gallbladder removal
Without complications or comorbidities
Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure generally performed to treat a patient with gallstones. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for gallbladder removal without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 13,034 admissions for gallbladder removal without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost of a gallbladder removal was $7,400. The average cost of a gallbladder removal ranged from $4,800 at one hospital to $13,000 at another.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost of a gallbladder removal was $7,000. The average cost of a gallbladder removal ranged from $4,100 at one hospital to $11,700 at another.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for gallbladder removal in 2011–12 was 1.9 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 1.1 to 3.2 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 1.4 to 2.6 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s gallbladder removal to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 14).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 14: Average cost for gallbladder removal without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Prostate removal
Without complications or comorbidities
Prostate removal is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland, most commonly performed through the urethra. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for transurethral prostate removal without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 3,438 admissions for prostate removal without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost of prostate removal was $6,300. The average cost of prostate removal ranged from $4,700 at one hospital to $7,500 at another.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost of prostate removal was $7,000. The average cost of prostate removal ranged from $5,200 at one hospital to $8,600 at another.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for prostate removal in 2011–12 was 2.7 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 1.9 to 3.9 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 1.9 to 5.3 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s prostate removal to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 15).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 15: Average cost for prostate removal without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Vaginal delivery
Without complications or comorbidities
Around 300,000 children are born in Australia each year, 9 and about 70% of these births take place in public hospitals. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for vaginal delivery without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 53,234 vaginal births without complications or comorbidities at major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost of a vaginal delivery was $4,600. The average cost of a vaginal delivery ranged from $2,200 at one hospital to $6,500 at another.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost of a vaginal delivery was $5,100. The average cost of a vaginal delivery ranged from $3,100 at one hospital to $7,500 at another.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for vaginal delivery in 2011–12 was 2.5 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 2.0 to 3.1 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 2.1 to 3.4 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s vaginal delivery to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 16).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 16: Average cost for vaginal delivery without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Caesarean delivery
Without complications or comorbidities
Around 300,000 children are born in Australia each year9, and about 70% of these births take place in public hospitals. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for a caesarean delivery without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 23,935 caesarean deliveries without complications or comorbidities at major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost of a caesarean delivery was $8,800. The average cost of a caesarean delivery ranged from $5,500 at one hospital to $15,300 at another.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost of a caesarean delivery was $9,800. The average cost of a caesarean delivery ranged from $6,500 at one hospital to $16,300 at another.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for caesarean delivery in 2011–12 was 3.8 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 3.0 to 4.7 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 3.0 to 4.8 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s caesarean delivery to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 17).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 17: Average cost for caesarean delivery without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Gynaecological reconstructive procedures
Without complications or comorbidities
Gynaecological reconstructive procedures are repairs to the female reproductive system for conditions such as prolapse. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for gynaecological reconstructive procedures without complications or comorbidities.
In 2011–12, there were 2,793 admissions for gynaecological reconstructive procedures without complications or comorbidities in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for gynaecological reconstructive procedures was $6,300. The average cost per admission ranged from $4,100 at one hospital to $8,000 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for gynaecological reconstructive procedures was $5,900. The average cost per admission ranged from $4,100 at one hospital to $7,000 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for gynaecological reconstructive procedures in 2011–12 was 2.2 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 1.3 to 3.8 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 1.4 to 2.9 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s gynaecological reconstructive procedures to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 18).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of these procedures. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 18: Average cost for gynaecological reconstructive procedures without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Hysterectomy
Without complications or comorbidities
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus or womb. The data presented here relate to costs incurred by a hospital for patients who were admitted for a hysterectomy without complications or comorbidities and who did not have malignant cancer.
In 2011–12, there were 4,373 admissions for hysterectomy without complications or comorbidities and who did not have malignant cancer in major metropolitan and major regional public hospitals.
Across all major metropolitan hospitals, the average cost per admission for hysterectomy was $9,200. The average cost per admission ranged from $5,400 at one hospital to $19,900 at another hospital.
Across all major regional hospitals, the average cost per admission for hysterectomy was $8,700. The average cost per admission ranged from $5,500 at one hospital to $10,900 at another hospital.
A previous Authority report showed the average length of stay for a hysterectomy in 2011–12 was 3.0 days.7 At major metropolitan hospitals, the average length of stay ranged from 2.5 to 3.7 days, and at major regional hospitals the average length of stay ranged from 2.0 to 4.0 days.7
By comparing the cost of a patient’s hysterectomy to their length of stay it is possible to assess the incremental cost that each additional day(s) spent in hospital contributes to the patient’s costs of care (Figure 19).
It is important to note that these costs do not reflect the total costs of this procedure. The report considers only the subset of total costs that are fully comparable between hospitals. For example, it excludes property, plant and equipment costs.
Figure 19: Average cost for hysterectomy without complications or comorbidities in major public hospitals, by length of stay, 2011–12
Sources:
National Health Performance Authority analysis of results calculated using the National Hospital Cost Data Collection 2011–12 and Admitted Patient Care National Minimum Dataset 2011–12.