Patient variables impacting hospital costs from 2008 to 2010.

Background: Studying the variables associated with the increased costs of health care provides valuable insight.

Methods: A review and analysis of the pertinent variables and information collected for 118.3 million hospital admissions recorded as Nationwide Inpatient Samples database was done for the years 2008 to 2010. We used hospital charges as an approximation of costs in the analysis of the patient variables and other factors contributing to hospital costs.

Results: The top 5 factors with the most impact on charges were diagnostic category, length of stay, number of procedures, major operating room procedures, and ownership of the hospital.

Conclusion: The top 5 factors with the most impact on charges were length of stay, number of procedures, major diagnostic category, major operating room procedures, and ownership of the hospital.