How Much Is An Average Hospital Stay Cost Per Day? (2024)

Learn the average cost of hospital stay per day, how expenses have risen over the years, and tips to manage your healthcare expenses effectively.

August 7, 2024 Read in 2 mins

Data

Factors That Affect Hospital Stay Costs

The average hospital stay cost per day depends on several factors. These include the type of hospital, where it is located, the patient's medical condition, and how long they need to stay. Costs can vary a lot depending on whether the hospital is state or locally-owned, non-profit, or for-profit.

Changes in Hospital Costs Over Time

According to data from KFF, the average cost of hospital stay per day in the United States has been going up from 1999 to 2022. In 1999, the average cost was about $1,101. By 2022, this figure had risen to $3,025. This big increase is due to many reasons, such as inflation, better medical technology, and changes in healthcare rules.

Rising of Average Cost of Hospital Stay per Day Over the Years

In 1999, the cost of average hospital stay was $1,101. By 2005, it had risen to $1,522. In 2010, the cost was $1,909. By 2015, it was $2,270. In 2020, the average cost was $2,873. In 2022, the cost had risen to $3,025. These numbers show how much hospital costs have gone up, which makes it important to understand hospital bills.

Costs Based on Hospital Ownership

The type of hospital ownership also affects costs. State or local government hospitals, non-profit hospitals, and for-profit hospitals have different pricing. For-profit hospitals usually have lower costs. From $999 in 1999, the cost went up to $2,383 in 2022. State or local government hospitals generally have competitive prices. In 1999, the average cost was $1,004, which increased to $2,857 by 2022. Non-profit hospitals often have higher costs due to the range of services they offer. In 1999, the cost was $1,139, rising to $3,167 by 2022.

Hospital Stay Cost per Inpatient Day in U.S. by Hospital Type (1999 - 2022)

www.consumershield.com

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"Includes all expenses for registered US community hospitals (nonfederal short-term general and special hospitals open to the public).

*Stay costs are adjusted to cover both inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient days are increased to estimate outpatient service volume. Note that these figures estimate hospital expenses for inpatient care and do not represent actual charges or reimbursement.
Source: KFF

How Much Does a Hospital Stay Cost?

In 2019, the average cost for an inpatient stay at community hospitals was $14,101. This highlights the significant financial impact that hospital stays can have on individuals and families. Understanding the cost of average hospital stay is important for planning and managing healthcare expenses.

Conclusion

Average hospital stay cost per day has gone up a lot over the past twenty years, due to various factors like hospital ownership, better medical technology, and economic inflation. By understanding how much does a hospital stay cost and taking proactive steps, you can better manage your healthcare expenses. If you are preparing for a hospital stay, consider your options and find ways to reduce the financial burden. Having good health insurance and discussing payment options with your hospital can help lower costs.