Hospital charges for pediatric heart transplant hospitalizations in the United States from 1997 to 2006

From 1997 to 2006, mean charges for pediatric heart transplant hospitalizations increased by > $170,000 (160%). Although greater morbidities in the later years of the study potentially contributed to increased charges, later calendar year was independently associated with increased charges. The changes in charges for heart transplant are similar to the increases seen in other surgical procedures. Ongoing study of management strategies is needed to determine cost-effective therapies for this complex group of patients.