# A Cost Analysis of Diabetic Hand Infections: A Study Based on Direct, Indirect, and One-Year Follow-Up Costs

## TL;DR

This study analyzes the costs of treating diabetic hand infections, finding that hospitalization is the biggest expense and early treatment can reduce costs.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed cost analysis of diabetic hand infections, including direct, indirect, and one-year follow-up costs using Monte Carlo Simulation.

## Key findings

- Outpatient treatment costs reached USD 5162.41 ± 3838.55 for patients with recurrent visits.
- The total cost over one year was USD 24,602.22 ± 5257.15 per patient.
- Hospitalization costs were the main driver of overall expenses.

## Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that increases mortality and morbidity rates. Infections of the hand can easily cause long-term morbidity and dysfunction, but despite their associated high morbidity, diabetic hand infections are more neglected than diabetic foot infections. Objectives: This study was conducted over a one-year follow-up period, considering the total costs of treatment over one year post discharge for patients with diabetic hand infections that required surgery. A Monte Carlo Simulation was used in this study as a sensitivity analysis of all the cost calculations. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 out of 75 patients were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes; 11 were female, and 64 were male. Out of all the patients, 15 visited outpatient clinics 30 times or more, and due to their recurrent visits, the outpatient treatment costs reached USD 5162.41 ± 3838.55. The total cost incurred over the period from the patients’ first hospitalization to the completion of all treatments and the end of the one-year follow-up was USD 24,602.22 ± 5257.15. Conclusions: The cost of hospitalization was the most important factor affecting the total expenses. Therefore, taking precautions before a diabetic hand infection occurs, or when one does occur, performing treatment without delay is expected to reduce the economic burden.