Costs Of Cancer Care Higher For People With Psychiatric Disorders

Among people receiving radiation therapy for cancer at the Mayo Clinic, acute costs for 24 months after the cancer diagnosis were higher among those with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis. Emergency department costs at six to 24 months after the cancer diagnosis were 108% higher, averaging $761 for those with a psychiatric diagnosis and $365 for those without. Follow-up hospital outpatient costs at six to 24 months, were 193% higher, at $4,330 for those with psychiatric disorders compared to $2,244 for those without a psychiatric diagnosis. Follow-up hospital inpatient costs were 190% higher, at $12,370 . . .