Economic impact of urolithiasis in the United States.

PURPOSE

We determined the economic costs to individuals in 1993 for the evaluation and treatment of upper urinary tract calculi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hospital discharge statistics, prevalence data for urolithiasis and the relative frequency of surgical treatments from Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services claims data were assessed.

RESULTS

The total charges for evaluation, hospitalization and treatment were estimated to be $1.23 billion per year. Professional charges for those who were hospitalized were estimated to be $183 million. Outpatient evaluation of urolithiasis was expected to cost $278 million. Indirect costs for lost wages were estimated to be $139 million.

CONCLUSIONS

The total annual cost for urolithiasis in the United States is estimated to be $1.83 billion.