Inpatient Trauma Care Costs in the US From 2012 to 2021

What trends and factors were associated with inpatient trauma care costs in the US from 2012 to 2021?This cohort study of 18 353 296 hospitalizations found that national inpatient trauma costs nearly doubled over 10 years, with geriatric falls being the primary factor. Geographic and demographic disparities associated with higher costs were motor vehicle collisions, Black race, and care delivered in the Pacific region.These findings suggest that with rising trauma-related costs, cost-saving strategies are needed to target inefficiencies and disparities within trauma systems to ensure sustainable and equitable care.

Corresponding Author: Galinos Barmparas, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8635 W 3rd St, Ste 770 W and 795 W, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (galinos.barmparas@cshs.org).

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