Abstract
The aim was to audit the numbers of non-residents requiring orthopaedic admission to our hospital and determine the effect of increasing tourist numbers and changes in Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) regulations on health care resources.
Details of non-resident orthopaedic admissions for fiscal years 1997/8 to 2003/4 were analysed with respect to country of residence, mechanism of injury, case weights consumed and actual costs.
There has been no change in numbers of admissions or cost averaging 32 cases (50 case weights) per year over the 7 year period. Most patients came from Asia (59 cases, 26%), then Australia (52 cases, 23%) and UK (40 cases 18%). Snowsports accounted for 40% of admissions, Motor vehicle accidents (MVA)17% and falls 29%.
Non-resident, non-MVA admissions have averaged 21 CW per year since the changes in ACC regulations in 1999.
Despite increasing tourist numbers there has been no increase in numbers or CW of non-residents requiring orthopaedic admission. Although representing only a small proportion of the orthopaedic budget they generate many hidden costs. The 50 CW annually equates to approximately 13 major joint replacements per year. The increase in CWs consumed due to the ACC changes have had no corresponding increase in contracted orthopaedic volumes.
The abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to NZOA at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
