IMPACT OF PHYSICIAN AWARENESS ON HOSPITAL CHARGES FOR RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

Purpose: We determine if physician awareness of hospital costs for rad ical retropubic prostatectomy affects physician practice patterns. Mat erials and Methods: We reviewed 256 consecutive radical retropubic pro statectomies performed by 14 urologists during 4 years at a community hospital. After 2 years the physicians were provided information on fa ctors that may decrease charges. Results: Charges decreased significan tly following intervention, from $17,134 within the initial 2 years to $13,826 within the last 2 years (p <0.005). Significant decreases wer e noted for length of stay, need for intensive care, operating time an d blood loss. Conclusions: Traditional methods of physician education can impact practice patterns to decrease hospital charges for radical retropubic prostatectomy.