The Cost of Army Injuries: Lower Extremity Fractures Among Active Duty Soldiers, CY 2017
Abstract
This report describes the results of implementing a methodology for examining the economic burden of injuries to the U.S. Army. Focusing on lower extremity fractures, the results indicate the cost to the Army for these injuries in 2017 was approximately $116M. Direct medical expenses totaled $24M; and indirect medical costs totaled $92M ($900K lost duty due to hospital stays; $91M limited duty). Foot and toe injuries along with lower leg and ankle injuries accounted for 26,213 medical encounters (89 ) and more than $103M of overall costs ($116M). Costs vary by location of care. In outpatient settings, initial visits for foot and toe injuries accounted for the highest total cost: $49M overall. Direct medical costs totaled $1.2M, and indirect medical costs (limited duty) were $48M. Foot and toe injuries also had the highest estimated limited duty days (353,520) and average cost per encounter ($17K), while lower leg and ankle injuries had the greatest number of encounters (13,708). In contrast, among lower extremity fractures treated in inpatient settings, the highest average cost per encounter was for hip injuries ($43K). Lower leg and ankle fractures treated in inpatient settings had the greatest number of initial encounters (281), highest estimated limited duty days (33,720), and highest costs, at just over $9M ($4.8M in direct medical costs and $4.5M in indirect medical costs). This project outlines a methodology for future Army injury cost estimates. The finding that the majority of costs related to fractures is due to estimated days of lost or restricted duty and associated loss of productivity validates the need to include indirect costs estimates as a part of injury overall cost calculations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 17, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1115619
Entities
People
- Anna S. Renner
- Bruce H. Jones
- Esther O. Dada
- Lanna J. Forrest
- Michelle Canham-chervak
- Ryan A. Steelman
- Stephen R. Barnes
- Tyson L. Grier
- Veronique D. Hauschild
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine