Home Hospital
How Much Does Staying In A Hospital Cost?
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SonderCare Learning Center
SonderCare Learning Center
Health & Medical Writer
Written & Researched
Hospital Bed Expert
Fact Checker & Commentary
How Much Does Staying In A Hospital Cost? Across the United States and Canada, people – especially those over the age of 60, a growing proportion of the population – are becoming more cognizant of the amount they pay for healthcare. How much does staying in a hospital cost patients? Regardless of how long the stay is, the costs can mount, especially if related to an ongoing health challenge.
Hospital beds can be one tool to help people with chronic illnesses or mobility challenges stay in their homes rather than in a medical facility.
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All of our articles are written by a professional medical writer and edited for accuracy by a hospital bed expert. SonderCare is a Hospital Bed company with locations across the U.S. and Canada. We distribute, install and service our certified home hospital beds across North America. Our staff is made up of several hospital bed experts that have worked in the medical equipment industry for more than 20 years. Read more about our company here.
In the United States, no one system determines hospital costs; as such, they range wildly around the country, but the average is roughly $2,600 per day throughout the United States. Recent studies show California ($3,726 per day) and Oregon ($3,271) are, on average, the most expensive; Wyoming ($1,383) and Iowa ($1,606) a distant second. Many factors determine this, including insurance coverage, hospital charges, and inpatient room rate.
Non-emergency surgeries can see a patient receiving care from a provider out of their coverage network. The doctor performing an elective procedure may be in-network, but the anesthesiologist working with the patient might not; patients will then receive higher charges.
Occupying a hospital bed overnight can make costs go up, however. The average hospital stay costs can go up to $11,700 for those on Medicare ($13,600) and private insurance ($12,600), while uninsured patients ($9,300) and those on Medicaid ($9,800) pay the least.*
Many people think of these costs only when emergencies come up, but those with ongoing health issues often find the charges mounting when they stay in hospital. For those with disabilities or on fixed incomes, they might not be able to afford them.
In 2012, just 7.2% of the American populace experienced an inpatient hospital stay. These stays, however, had an average cost exceeding $18,000, making them one of the priciest forms of medical care. The five costliest conditions—septicemia, osteoarthritis, live births, complications from devices or implants, and acute myocardial infarction—made up about 20% of the total expenses for all hospitalizations. Furthermore, the top 20 medical conditions were responsible for almost 50% of the overall costs for hospital stays.
In Canada, the cost of spending time in a bed is (mostly) covered by the government healthcare system. Canadians must have a valid provincial health card for health insurance plans to cover services received while in hospital, such as the cost of a standard wardroom. However, if a patient requests and receives a private or semi-private room, they will also receive a bill for the room.
Some provinces will also bill a daily ward rate to those waiting to transfer to a residential care home. It generally starts from the start of their wait and continues until the date they can move into a care facility.
Regardless of where you are in North America, many things factor into hospital pricing. It includes lab tests and X-rays, operating room and post-surgical costs, medications, and the fees related to doctors and other healthcare specialists. If someone’s health circumstances necessitate a lot of hospital admissions, they should consider adding a hospital bed.
These patients are likely dealing with something other than a one-time illness or acute injury. They can have a chronic condition, ongoing health or mobility issues, or reduced capabilities from aging. Loved ones will add them to their homes when they’re caring for someone with a physical or mental condition that makes the bed necessary.
If you or a loved one requires ongoing, specialized care, hospital costs related to overnight stays can quickly add up. Many people face the problem of not having appropriate equipment in their homes that would help them manage recovery and movement. Hospital beds aren’t just for sleeping – their design and function are to aid people with medical needs.
If a user has a medical issue that has forced them to stay in bed for extended periods, they should bring home a hospital bed. Pressure-relieving mattresses can prevent bedsores and skin shearing, kinds of wounds that can impede recovery and lead to hospital care. A standard bed mattress may be too soft or firm; either case can put too much pressure on sensitive body parts. Hospital beds are designed for maximum comfort, relieving these issues before they become a problem.
Hospital beds can also reduce the likelihood of incidences that lead to extended hospital stays. If a senior is otherwise fit but has issues with their balance, the assist rails on a hospital bed can help them get in and out of bed without a fear of falling. They can also use the hi-lo elevation feature to bring the bed lower to the ground before planting their feet on the floor.
As a higher percentage of the population ages, more people want their homes to be ideal spots for convalescence and ageing. A hospital bed is an essential part of this, and it will look right at home when you choose one from SonderCare’s line of premium care beds.
Start Exploring Home Hospital Equipment With SonderCare
Are you recently discharged from hospital, experiencing mobility issues, or in need of palliative or senior care? Enjoy a smoother recovery and get the luxury you deserve by choosing our home hospital products. Contact us today to discuss home hospital beds, mattresses, stand assist chairs and other accessories to make your home hospice perfect for a truly comfortable experience.
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