Variation in Neonatal Inpatient Charges at the State and Local Level.

In an analysis of all Ohio newborn infants discharged home alive between 2007 and 2012, the authors identified that significant variation in hospital charges (among Medicare Severity Diagnostic Related Group categorizations), previously identified nationally, persists at the state and local levels among term and preterm infants (p <.0001). Additionally, the authors identified variation in length of stay among infants with extreme immaturity or respiratory distress syndrome (p <.0001). Charge data remain the best available proxy for closely guarded hospital cost figures; increased pricing transparency would further support comparison of hospital newborn care costs.