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4.3 Calculation of Cost Estimates for Injury-Related Hospitalizations
and ED Visits
Cost Estimates Based on System-Provided Data Only
Each system-provided surveillance record representing an injury resulting in hospitalization subsequent to emergency department (ED) treatment or an ED visit followed by release (without hospitalization or other transfer) was assigned an estimated unit lifetime medical cost and an estimated unit lifetime work loss cost. Both types of unit cost estimate were assigned according to the mechanism (cause) of injury, the affected body region, the nature of injury, and the sex and age of the injured person.
Each surveillance record representing an injury-related hospitalization or ED visit has a pre-established sampling weight attached to it. Total nationwide cost estimates (lifetime medical, lifetime work loss, and/or both combined) requested via the injury intent by mechanism classification scheme (Section 2.2) are calculated by summing the unit cost estimates multiplied by these sample weights, across the selected intent and mechanism category combinations (and also observing any specific geographic and/or demographic selections). Average cost estimates (per case) are then calculated by dividing each resulting total cost estimate by the sum of the sample weights for the surveillance records contributing to it. Total nationwide cost estimates (and per-case averages) requested via the body region by nature of injury classification scheme (Section 2.2) are calculated in a similar way.
Cost Estimates That Combine System-Provided Data and User-Provided Data
The general framework for calculating cost estimates based on a combination of system-provided data and user-provided data is described in Section 4.1. The preliminary average cost estimates described in that framework are calculated according the procedures described immediately above; summary cost estimates are calculated as specified in the general framework.
Note: Cost estimates (for nonfatal injuries) derived exclusively from system-provided data represent national estimates; such estimates are reported in terms of U.S. prices indexed to the year 2010 (the current base year for WISQARS Cost of Injury Reports). However, cost estimates that combine system-provided data and user-provided data can be indexed to U.S. prices for other years (see Section 2.4).