The burden of hospitalisations for COVID-19 in France: a study of all cases in the national insurance claims database in 2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The economic consequences of the recent COVID-19 pandemic were substantial. However, direct medical costs in France have not been determined. Objective To describe patient characteristics, intensity of care, mortality, and direct medical costs in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 infections in France. Study design A retrospective study of the French national hospital claims database for 2020. Setting Hospital care. Patients or other participants All patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in 2020 were included and classified by hospitalisation duration into acute phase and prolonged COVID-19. Intervention Stratification by intensity of care (Level 1: no or low-flow oxygen support; Level 2: non-invasive ventilation; Level 3: mechanical ventilation). Main outcome measure Cost of hospital care in 2020 Euros from a payer perspective. Results 199,455 patients were hospitalised for COVID-19 in France in 2020. 17,824 patients (8.9%) received mechanical ventilation and 32,602 patients (16.3%) died. Mean per patient cost was €5,510 ± 7,142. This cost was highest in patients receiving Level 3 care, patients aged >80 years and in those with prolonged COVID. Conclusion The economic burden of hospitalisations for COVID-19 infections in France during 2020 was substantial. The study provides robust baseline data to benchmark advances in the standard of care and to nurture epidemiological models.