TREATMENT COSTS FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL FROM SERBIA

Introduction: Aim of our study was to identify total costs of COVID-19 inpatients treatment in an upper-middle income country from Southeast Europe. Methods: This retrospective, observational cost of illness study was performed from National Health Insurance Fund perspective and included a cohort of 118 males and 78 females admitted to COVID-19 ward units of a tertiary center, during the first wave of epidemics. Results: The median of total costs in the non-survivors' subgroup (n=43) was 3279.16 Euro (4023.34, 355.20, 9909.61) which is higher than in the survivors (n=153) subgroup 747.10 Euro (1088.21, 46.71, 3265.91). The odds ratio of Charlson Comorbidity Index total score and every 100-Euros increase of patient's total hospital treatment costs for fatal outcome were 1.804 (95% confidence interval 1.408-2.311, p<0.001) and 1.050 (1.029-1.072, p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Direct medical treatment costs for COVID-19 inpatients represent significant economic burden. The link between increased costs and unfavorable final outcome should be further explored.