Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare the cost effectiveness of simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery to bilateral cataract surgery done as separate surgical events. Methods: The costs of surgery for forty–four patients who underwent cataract surgery were analyzed for this study. Twenty–two patients underwent simultaneous bilateral extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and were matched to another cohort of 22 patients who underwent bilateral cataract extraction as two separate surgical events. Hospital cost was determined using the LHSC Case Costing System, while physician cost was determined using the OHIP Schedule of Fees and Benefits for Physicians. Average costs were calculated and compared statistically. Results: Both hospital and anesthesia costs were significantly reduced when performing bilateral cataract surgery (P<0.0001). Hospital costs for performing two separate unilateral cataract surgeries totaled $1566.30, compared with $1059.13 for simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (47.9% reduction). Pre and post operative care accounted for the majority of this difference. Anesthetist costs for two unilateral cataract surgeries were $184.90, compared to $103.95 for bilateral surgery (77.8% reduction). Total costs declined 50.5% when comparing the two cohorts, from $1751.20 to $1163.08. Conclusions: For a specific group of patients and under appropriate conditions, simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery may produce significant cost savings for hospitals and the health care system, and should be considered a safe and convenient option for patients when indicated.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower • cataract • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques