Analysis of hospitalization fee and its influencing factors of colorectal cancer patients in Pudong based on the colorectal cancer screening program

Objective To analyze the impact of screening programs on the cost of hospitalization for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, so as to provide references to formulate relevant public health policies. Methods Data of hospitalization fee of CRC patients diagnosed from January 1,2013 to December 31, 2016 were enrolled. The median of total and parts of hospitalization costs in different groups were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U method, and the influencing factors were analyzed by multiple linear regression model. Results In the total of 2 930 CRC patients, there were significant difference in the total hospitalization costs (Z=-2.491, P=0.013), service costs (Z=-6.310, P<0.001), diagnostic costs (Z=-3.920, P<0.001), treatment costs (Z=-2.045, P=0.041), rehabilitation costs (Z=-2.173, P=0.030), Chinese medicine costs (Z=-4.831, P<0.001), and material costs (Z=-2.074, P=0.038). The multiple linear regression model showed that the way of payment, the days of hospitalization, the status of screening, and the level of the hospital were related to the total hospitalization costs in the first year after the diagnosis of patients. Less hospitalization days (t=35.52, P<0.001), with screening (t=-3.053, P=0.002), at one's own expense (t=2.85, P=0.004), diagnosis and treatment in a high grade hospital (t=-5.98, P<0.001) were related to reducing the cost of hospitalization. Conclusions Screening program is one of the effective ways to reduce the cost of hospitalization for colorectal cancer patients.