Impact of Physician Awareness on Hospital Charges for Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Abstract

We determine if physician awareness of hospital costs for radical retropubic prostatectomy affects physician practice patterns. We reviewed 256 consecutive radical retropubic prostatectomies performed by 14 urologists during 4 years at a community hospital. After 2 years the physicians were provided information on factors that may decrease charges. Charges decreased significantly following intervention, from $17,134 within the initial 2 years to $13,826 within the last 2 years (p less than 0.005). Significant decreases were noted for length to stay, need for intensive care, operating time and blood loss. Traditional methods of physician education can impact practice patterns to decrease hospital charges for radical retropubic prostatectomy.