What factors influence the cost of orthognathic surgery among patients in the US?

[OBJECTIVE] The purpose of our study was to analyze what factors influence the cost of orthognathic surgery performed within the US.

[STUDY DESIGN] This retrospective cohort study was completed using the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) from 2000 to 2012 on all patients aged 14 to 20 years who had undergone orthognathic surgery. The predictor variables included patient and hospitalization characteristics. The primary outcome variable was hospital charge ($). Multivariate linear regression was conducted to determine independent predictors for increased/decreased hospital charge.

[RESULTS] The final sample consisted of 14 191 patients (mean age, 17.4 ± 1.6 years; females, 59.2%). Each additional day in the hospital added $8123 in hospital charges (P < .01). Relative to mandibular osteotomy, maxillary osteotomy (+$5703, P < .01) and bimaxillary osteotomy (+$9419, P < .01) were each associated with increased hospital charges. Genioplasty (+$3499, P < .01), transfusion of packed cells (TPC) (+$11 719, P < .01), continuous invasive mechanical ventilation (CIMV) <96 hours (+$23 502, P < .01), and CIMV ≥96 hours (+$30 901, P < .01) were each associated with significantly increased hospital charges. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) added $6560 in hospital charges (P < .01).

[CONCLUSIONS] Maxillary osteotomy and bimaxillary surgery were each associated with significantly increased charges relative to mandibular osteotomy. Concomitant genioplasty, TPC, CIMV, and OSA each significantly increased the charges. Each additional day to the length of stay significantly increased the charges.