Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010; 58(6): 322-327
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249866
Original Cardiovascular

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Surgical Management of Congenital Heart Disease: Correlation between Hospital Costs and the Aristotle Complexity Score

N. Sinzobahamvya1 , T. Kopp2 , J. Photiadis1 , C. Arenz1 , E. Schindler3 , C. Haun4 , V. Hraska1 , B. Asfour1
  • 1Pediatric Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Deutsches Kinderherzzentrum Sankt Augustin, Sankt Augustin, Germany
  • 2Control Department, Asklepios Clinic, Sankt Augustin, Germany
  • 3Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Deutsches Kinderherzzentrum Sankt Augustin, Sankt Augustin, Germany
  • 4Cardiac Intensive Care, Deutsches Kinderherzzentrum Sankt Augustin, Sankt Augustin, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received Dec. 27, 2009

Publication Date:
07 September 2010 (online)

Preview

Abstract

Background: Hospital costs are expected to correlate with clinical complexity. Do costs for congenital heart surgery correlate with Aristotle complexity scores? Methods: 442 inpatient stays in 2008 were evaluated. Aristotle scores and levels were determined. Costs were estimated according to the German Institute for Hospital Reimbursement system. Pearson and Spearman r correlation coefficients and corresponding goodness-of-fit regression coefficients r2 were calculated. Results: Mean basic and comprehensive Aristotle scores were 7.60 ± 2.74 and 9.23 ± 2.94 points, respectively. Mean expenses per hospital stay amounted to 29 369 ± 30 823 Euros. Aristotle basic and comprehensive scores and levels were positively correlated with hospital costs. With a Spearman r of 1 and related r2 of 0.9436, scores of the 6 Aristotle comprehensive levels correlated best. Mean hospital reimbursement was 26 412 ± 17 962 Euros. Compensation was higher than expenses for patients in comprehensive levels 1 to 3, but much lower for those in levels 4 to 6. Conclusions: Aristotle comprehensive complexity scores were highly correlated with hospital costs. The Aristotle score could be used as a scale to establish the correct reimbursement after congenital heart surgery.

References

Dr. Nicodème Sinzobahamvya

Pediatric Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Deutsches Kinderherzzentrum Sankt Augustin

Arnold-Janssen-Strasse 29

53757 Sankt Augustin

Germany

Phone: +49 22 41 24 96 01

Fax: +49 22 41 24 96 02

Email: n.sinzobahamvya@asklepios.com