Executive Summary
For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2013
Contact: Brian Dries
215-686-8869
Philadelphia’s Medical Costs Outpace National Increase
City Controller’s economic report reviews the costs
to treat selected health conditions in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – City Controller Alan Butkovitz today released his latest monthly economic report that found average costs to treat selected health conditions in Philadelphia increased as much as 20 percent from 2008 to 2011. The cost of medical care in the United States increased by 13 percent during the same period.
By analyzing the latest available average costs for conditions treated at health care facilities in Philadelphia, it was determined that costs for half of the conditions reviewed outpaced the 13.3 percent national increase as indicated by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for medical care. Health conditions in Philadelphia with average costs greater than the CPI-U included:
2008
2011
% Chg.
Abnormal Heartbeat
$58,454
$70,639
21%
Chest Pain
$21,796
$26,358
21%
Congestive Heart Failure
$45,071
$54,261
20%
Gallbladder Removal
$54,323
$64,560
19%
Conditions in Philadelphia such as diabetes management, colorectal procedures and kidney infections had increases at or below 10 percent.
When compared to average costs at health care facilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia’s costs were higher for 75 percent of the conditions reviewed. Philadelphia’s costs were also above statewide averages for every condition, and in some instances costing $20,000 or more than the statewide averages.
Along with reviewing local health care costs, the Controller’s economic report indicates that yearly collections from wage, earnings and net profits totaled almost $937 million, a five percent increase over the prior year. Yearly sales tax collections totaled almost $148 million, a three percent increase over the prior year.
The Controller’s economic report is compiled on a monthly basis and includes an Economic Snapshot and Forecast, as well as real estate information and other local statistics. These reports are circulated every month to assist key decision makers in understanding and anticipating local and national economic trends.
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