How much do we pay for caesarean section: A pilot study in Serbia

Abstract

Background: Different types of labour need different resources. Subsequently, different costs should be expected. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine costs of planned Caesarean section (Csection) in relation to costs of spontaneous (SVD) and induced vaginal (IVD) delivery. Methods: Retrospective study was conducted for the period January 1st - December 31st, 2010. Database of Health Insurance Fund of Republic of Serbia was used as a data source. Direct medical costs of labor were estimated for mother/newborn pair. Results: The sample was consisted of 99 women where 46.5% had SVD, 28.3% IVD and 25.2% C-section. The average costs of labor, regardless of method, were 417.02+284.14 EUR. Costs of C-section were higher compare to SVD (640.18+ 240.04 vs. 243.27+131.70 EUR, p lt 0.05) and IVD (640.18+240.04 vs. 497.10 + 327.91 EUR, p lt 0.05). Conclusion: Considering high costs of C-section, it is necessary to review such clinical practice for the purpose of optimizing the use of resources.

Uvod: Različiti tipovi porođaja zahtevaju različite resurse. Shodno tome, mogu se očekivati i različiti troškovi. Cilj: Studija je sprovedena sa ciljem da se utvrdi visina troškova carskog reza (CR) u odnosu na spontani (SVP) i indukovani (IVP) vaginalni porođaj. Metode: Retrospektivna studija je sprovedena za period 1. Januar - 31. Decembar, 2010. Baza podataka Republičkog fonda za zdravstveno osiguranje Republike Srbije korišćena je kao izvor podataka. Određivani su direktni medicinski troškovi za par majka/novorođenče. Rezultati: Uzorak se sastojao od 99 žena od kojih je 46,5% imalo SVP, 28,3% IVP i 25,2% carski rez. Prosečni troškovi porođaja, bez obzira na tip, iznosili su 417,02+284,14EUR. Troškovi carskog reza bili su viši u odnosu na SVP (640,18+240,04 prema 243,27+131,70 EUR, p lt 0,05) i IVP (640,18+240,04 prema 497.10+ 327.91 EUR, p lt 0,05). Zaključak: Uzimajući u obzir visoke troškove carskog reza, neophodno je izvršiti reviziju aktuelne kliničke prakse radi optimizacije upotrebe resursa.