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 Medical Abbreviation: A Closer Look at Healthcare Associated Infections
Written By:
Paulette Campbell RN-BC, BSN, MJ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
Medical Abbreviation |
Medical Diagnosis |
HAI |
Healthcare Associated Infections |
CHAI |
Community & Healthcare Associated Infections |
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI’s) are one of the top ten causes of death in the United States each year. Sometimes this group of infections may also be referred to as Community & Healthcare Associated Infections (CHAI's). In 2002, a study by the American Hospital Association found that of 1.7 million patients, 155,668 died in the hospital. About 99,000 of those deaths were caused or associated with Healthcare Associated Infections. The financial costs were in excess of $4.5 billion dollars.
Pneumonia and bloodstream infections are the leading causes of HAI related deaths each year. In fact, Healthcare Associated Infections kill almost twice as many people as Breast Cancer and HIV/AIDS put together. One study found the breakdown as the most common type of HAI’s to be the following;
- 32% Urinary Tract Infections
- 15% Pneumonia (Lung Infection)
- 14% Bloodstream Infection
On average, HAI’s add $15,000 to a patient’s bill. Until recently, these were additional costs that were covered by private insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid. However, with recent changes implemented by CMS(Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), HAI’s will not be covered as they previously were. In fact, as of October 1, 2008, Medicare will stop covering eight specific events that occur post-admission. And, private insurance companies are also following suit. Hospitals will be required to track what events occurred before and after admission in a much more significant way. Also, some states have taken such actions on their own. In 2004, Pennsylvania became the first state that required hospitals to collect and report data on the number of patients who acquired four specific types of infection. Since then, twenty other states have followed suit and there are other states that are considering similar mandates.
For more information on HAI’s and recent changes to Medicare coverage please contact our medical legal consulting firm at info@medicaljurispridence.com. For individual case analyses that will increase the efficiency of your legal practice, contact our office today at 630-551-0978.
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