Cost estimation of neonatal intensive care in Greece: The case of Athens maternity hospitals

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the hospitalisation costs for neonatal intensive care and to investigate any discrepancies with reimbursement by the social funds in Greece. The study was based on a prospective selection of neonates admitted to the intensive care unit of two hospitals within a 3-month period in 2004. Data were collected and classified with respect to birthweight and gestational age. Microcosting recording of data was used. A National Health System hospital perspective was applied. The study sample consisted of 99 neonates with mean cost per infant reaching €5,845 in contrast to the €3,952 reimbursed by the social security funds, showing a discrepancy between actual and norrdnal costs. Cost per infant was found to have an inverse relationship both with birthweight and gestational age. Personnel costs accounted for 59.9% of all resources consumed followed by enteral/parenteral feeding for 16.1% and pharmaceuticals expenses for 11.1%. The remaining covers the costs of consumables, diagnostic test and overheads (12.9%). © 2007 Informa UK Ltd.