Abstract
Background
The cost of treatment for infectious shock in intensive care in Vietnam is unknown.
Methods
We prospectively investigated hospital bills for adults treated for septic and dengue shock in Vietnam and calculated the proportion who faced catastrophic health care expenditures.
Results
The median hospital bills were US$617 for septic shock (n=100) and US$57 for dengue shock (n=88). Catastrophic payments were incurred by 47% (47/100) and 13% (11/88) of patients with septic shock and dengue shock, respectively, and 56% (25/45) and 84% (5/6) fatal cases of septic shock and dengue shock respectively.
Conclusions
Further advocacy is required to moderate insurance co-payments for costly critical care interventions.
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