Cost-effectiveness of hospital-based treatment compared with community treatment centres: an analysis of Korea National Health Insurance claims data

Objectives We compared the cost-effectiveness of hospital-based treatment and that of community treatment centres (CTCs).Design We performed statistical analysis to compare the expenses incurred by COVID-19 patients who received hospital care with those incurred by COVID-19 patients who went to CTCs.Setting and participants A study was conducted on 411 530 COVID-19 inpatients and 243 329 CTC patients from January 2020 to December 2021.Main outcome measures We calculated the probability of severe disease, hospitalisation period and medical expenses for inpatients and CTC patients. Subsequently, we analysed the cost-effectiveness of CTC compared with hospitalisation.Results Comparing medical expenses, CTC patients incurred 2 220 000 KRW on average, which is less than the expenses incurred by hospitalised COVID-19 patients.Conclusions The study suggests that using a CTC may be more cost-effective than a hospital service alone.