University of Missouri, Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine
Abstract
Background: Treatment of osteomyelitis often requires antibiotics over an extended period. Underinsured patients are often kept in an acute care setting for the duration of treatment rather than a subacute care facility or at home for antibiotic administration due to difficulties with placement in lower-level care settings. This provides a significant financial burden on both the hospitalized patient and the hospital system. This report highlights the wide discrepancy between costs to the patient between care settings