The charges for ESRD treatment of diabetics.

To evaluate the differential charges for treating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) associated with diabetes mellitus, Medicare billing data are analyzed. The charges of 244 patients in the Michigan Kidney Registry identified as having (ESRD) from diabetes are compared with charges of 902 nondiabetic patients. Average annual charges for ESRD treatment for diabetics are +29,671 (+/- 27,662) which are +4695 (+/- 1344) higher than charges for nondiabetics. The majority of the difference (84.3%) is attributable to higher inpatient hospital charges. Most of the remainder (14.5%) is attributable to higher physician and medical supply charges. Charges for treatment of diabetics are higher on all modalities of treatment, but differences are not significant among modalities.