Economic Impact of Urolithiasis in the United States

PURPOSE: We determined the economic costs to individuals in 1993 for the evaluation and treatment of upper urinary tract calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital discharge statistics, prevalence data for urolithiasis and the relative frequency of surgical treatments from Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services claims data were assessed. RESULTS: The total charges for evaluation, hospitalization and treatment were estimated to be $1.23 billion per year. Professional charges for those who were hospitalized were estimated to be $183 million. Outpatient evaluation of urolithiasis was expected to cost $278 million. Indirect costs for lost wages were estimated to be $139 million. CONCLUSIONS: The total annual cost for urolithiasis in the United States is estimated to be $1.83 billion.