International Journal of Cardiology
Volume 154, Issue 3 , Pages 246-249, 9 February 2012

Ultrafiltration for acute decompensated heart failure: Financial implications☆

  • Amir Kazory

      Affiliations

    • Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610–0224, USA. Tel.: +1 352 392 4007; fax: +1 352 392 3581.
    • ,
  • Frank B. Bellamy

      Affiliations

    • Department of Utilization Management, Shands at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
    • ,
  • Edward A. Ross

      Affiliations

    • Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

Received 12 November 2010; received in revised form 1 April 2011; accepted 13 May 2011. published online 03 June 2011.

Abstract 

Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization in older patients and is considered a public health problem with a significant financial burden on the health care system. Ultrafiltration represents an emerging therapy for patients with heart failure with a number of advantages over the conventional therapy. In this article, a summary of the relevant pathophysiological mechanisms such as removal of inflammatory cytokines are provided that might indeed be associated with a number of financial implications for ultrafiltration. Then practical points such as training of physicians and staff that need to be considered by physicians and medical centers with regards to financial implications of this therapy are reviewed.

Keywords: Ultrafiltration, Heart failure, LOS, DRG, Financial

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☆ No specific financial support was obtained for the preparation of this article. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to declare with respect to this paper.

PII: S0167-5273(11)00486-4

doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.05.073

International Journal of Cardiology
Volume 154, Issue 3 , Pages 246-249, 9 February 2012

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