Cost of Colorectal Cancer Care in Hospitalized Patients of Thailand
Jarin Chindaprasirt MD*, Aumkhae Sookprasert MD*, Kosin Wirasorn MD*, Panita Limpawattana MD**, Sumitr Sutra MD***, Yupa Thavornpitak MSc****
Affiliation : * Division of Oncology, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Division of Geriatric Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand **** Department of Biostatistics and Demography, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Colorectal cancer incidence rate is high and expected to increase in Thailand. But it is a preventable and
curable disease if found in the early stage of development. The overall data regarding admission rates and healthcare cost in
Thai patients are lacking.
Objective : To identify admission rates and healthcare cost of colorectal cancer.
Material and Method: Information on illness of inpatients and casualties came from hospitals nationwide and from hospital
withdrawals from the 3 health insurance schemes in fiscal 2010. The data included 96% of the population and were analyzed
by age groups, hospital level and insurance schemes in patients with colorectal cancer.
Results : Colorectal cancer occurred in 45,692 of all admissions, contributing to admission rates of 98.5 per 100,000 persons.
These figures increased with age. The highest admission was found in the central region including Bangkok (43%) followed
by the northeast region (23%). The average hospital charges per admission in three insurance schemes groups: government
welfare, social welfare and universal coverage were 64,241, 49,490 and 28,588 Baht, respectively.
Conclusion : Admission rates showed that colorectal cancer increased with age. The highest rate was observed in sixty years
and older. The hospital charges were extensive, especially in those on the government welfare scheme. Thus, screening
programs, cost-effective analysis of treatment modalities and treatment protocol for the elderly should be examined.
Keywords : Colorectal neoplasm, Colon cancer, Clinical epidemiology, Cost of illness
