Improving the Care and Cost of Treating Community-Acquired Stage 3 and 4 Decubitus Ulcers.

Introduction: The healthcare costs for treatment of community-acquired decubitus ulcers accounts for $11.6 billion in the United States annually. Patients with stage 3 and 4 decubitus ulcers are often treated inefficiently prior to reconstructive surgery while physicians attempt to optimize their condition (debridement, fecal/urinary diversion, physical therapy, nutrition, and obtaining durable medical goods).