Incremental Health Care Expenditure of Chronic Cutaneous Ulcers in the United States

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Despite the increasing incidence of chronic cutaneous ulcers (CCUs), limited information exists regarding their incremental economic burden.OBJECTIVE To provide nationally representative estimates regarding the incremental health care cost of CCUs, controlling for comorbidities and sociodemographic characteristics.

The effectiveness of advanced practice registered nurses with wound care specialization in the home setting on wound resolution and healthcare utilizationhe Home Setting on Wound Resolution and Healthcare Utilization

“…The costs of chronic wounds have steadily grown over the years, shifting from inpatient to outpatient settings. [2] Authors agree that aggressive strategies are needed to prevent and treat chronic wounds in less expensive settings such as the home. [2][3][4][5] Chronic wound care costs between $28.1 billion to $96.8 billion in the United States, affecting approximately 8.2 million people.…”

“…[2] Authors agree that aggressive strategies are needed to prevent and treat chronic wounds in less expensive settings such as the home. [2][3][4][5] Chronic wound care costs between $28.1 billion to $96.8 billion in the United States, affecting approximately 8.2 million people. [6] These numbers are steadily growing due to the aging population and the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and peripheral vascular disease.…”

“…[5,6] Prescription expenditures have doubled with cost shifting to outpatient services related to pharmaceuticals, clinics, and home health visits. [2] More than 12 million people across America are receiving home health care services for various reasons, including the treatment of chronic wounds for a cost of $83 billion. [7] The home health care (HHC) costs per wound averaged $1,670.56 annually above the basic cost per patient.…”

“…[7] The home health care (HHC) costs per wound averaged $1,670.56 annually above the basic cost per patient. [2] Chronic wounds comprise a large percentage of home health care visits each year, totaling more than 72 million patient encounters. [6] Many patients with wounds are currently being seen and supervised by individuals with no wound care training or understanding of the best wound care evidence.…”

“…Several researchers have concentrated on the impact of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) within the home setting and in transitional models between settings with positive outcomes, but were not specific to wound care. [2,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Coppa [10] found hospitalizations and readmits significantly decreased where APRNs did autonomous primary care delivery for 82 homebound patients. In contrast, Jones et al [11] used primary care co-management between the Medical Doctor (MD) and the APRN for 87 HH patients.…”