Direct Medical Cost Analysis of Hyperglycemic Emergencies Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Government Hospital in the Philippines.

Background: There is limited published local data on the direct medical costs of hyperglycemic emergencies. This study aimed to analyze direct medical costs incurred during hospitalization for hyperglycemic emergencies from a healthcare payer perspective. Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study done in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines. The primary outcome measure was the median cost and distribution of direct medical costs (in Philippine Pesos) incurred during hospitalization. Results: Among 319 patients with cost data, the median direct medical cost was PhP 79,331.50 (USD 1,375.02; USD 1: PhP 57.69), representing approximately 22.5% of the average annual family income and 7.2 times the average annual healthcare expenditure per capita. HHS incurred the highest costs (PhP 143,902.77; USD 2,494.21) with diagnostic fees as the largest expense (PhP 41,507.00; USD 719.42). The total costs exceeded the coverage provided by PhilHealth, the national health insurance in the Philippines.Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with lower-income patients incurring higher expenses due to delayed presentation and more severe illness. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial economic burden of hyperglycemic emergencies in a public tertiary hospital. As one of the first of its kind locally, the study informs policy efforts to reduce financial risk for vulnerable populations and optimize resource allocation for diabetes-related emergencies.