Health care costs continue to grow faster than the economy, and the health share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has maintained its upward trend, reaching 17.9% in 2011. This is according to a recent statistical brief by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The August 2013 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (H-CUP) looked at, among other statistics, the cost of hospital procedures. Hospital costs are often central with the debate on healthcare costs because they constitute the largest single component of health care spending. In 2011, the aggregate cost for nearly 39 million hospital stays totaled $387 billion. 
Here’s AHRQ's list of top 20 most expensive hospital procedures in 2011:
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Septicemia (except in labor), $20.3 billion
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Osteoarthritis, $14.8 billion
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Complication of device, implant or graft, $12.9 billion
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Liveborn (general childbirth), $12.4 billion
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Heart attack, $11.5 billion
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Spondylosis, intervertebral disc disorders, other back problems, $11.2 billion
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Pneumonia (except caused by tuberculosis and STDs), $10.6 billion
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Congestive heart failure, $10.5 billion
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Coronary atherosclerosis, $10.4 billion
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Adult respiratory failure, $8.7 billion
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Acute cerebrovascular disease, $8.4 billion
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Cardiac dysrhythmias, $7.6 billion
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Complications of surgical procedures or medical care, $6.9 billion
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis, $5.7 billion
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Rehab care, fitting of prostheses and adjustment of devices, $5.5 billion
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Diabetes mellitus with complications, $5.4 billion
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Biliary tract disease, $5.1 billion
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Hip fractures, $4.9 billion
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Mood disorders, $4.8 billion
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Acute and unspecified renal failure, $4.7 billion
The statistical brief also details out the top 20 most expensive hospital procedures by type of payer including billed to Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured.
Click here to read AHRQ's full report of hospital costs in 2011.
Do any of the top most expensive hospital procedures surprise you? Leave a comment below.
