Hospital charges for colorectal cancer vary widely among states.

Abstract

DATA BENCHMARKS: A nationwide study of 300,000 health plan members shows dramatic variations in in-hospital charges for colorectal cancer treatment. The average charge for inpatient treatment was $17,800, but the Pacific region's average was 37% higher than that found in the East South Central area, where average charges were the lowest of the bunch. The hospital portion of the insurance bill accounted for about three-quarters of the total charge. Review more details of the study.