Table 9. Principal Diagnoses With the Highest Mean Charges

Principal Diagnoses With the Highest Mean Charges Mean Charges* Mean Length of Stay
(in days)
1. Infant respiratory distress syndrome $91,400 24.2
2. Premature birth and low birthweight $79,300 24.2
3. Spinal cord injury $76,800 12.8
4. Leukemia (cancer of blood) $74,500 14.1
5. Intrauterine hypoxia and birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen to baby in uterus or during birth) $72,800 15.6
6. Cardiac and circulatory birth defects $71,400 8.9
7. Heart valve disorders $70,900 8.8
8. Polio and other brain or spinal infections $63,200 13.0
9. Aneurysm (ballooning or rupture of an artery) $55,300 7.7
10. Adult respiratory failure or arrest $48,500 10.0

* Charges shown reflect figures for acute hospital care only and do not include professional fees, rehabilitation, followup care, or home care costs.

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