Causes and costs of unplanned hospitalizations among persons with spinal cord injury

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to document causes and average costs of hospitalization among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Data were collected prospectively on 430 hospitalizations occurring among 206 persons. Urinary tract complications were the most frequent cause of hospitalization (29.5%), followed by skin conditions (16.5%). Mean charges per hospitalization in 2009 dollars were highest for skin conditions ($75,872) and lowest for endocrine and nutritional problems ($13,530). These data should be useful for life care planning as well as for setting priorities for research and education aimed at preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, reducing costs, and improving quality of life for persons with SCI. © 2011 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.