Mike Piskie 
Among 676,435 hospitalized patients with pressure ulcers, median length of stay was 7 days versus 3 days for those without – more than double. Hospital stays involving a pressure ulcer may incur additional annual charges of up to $700,000. Patients with PIs were significantly more likely to have longer stays, higher charges, and worse outcomes across every measured variable.
This 2020 national hospital database study concluded that each hospital-acquired pressure injury added about $21,767 in hospital cost per patient versus no pressure injury, equal to about $30,000 in 2026 dollars.
This 2020 national hospital database study concluded that each hospital-acquired pressure injury added about $21,767 in hospital cost per patient versus no pressure injury, equal to about $30,000 in 2026 dollars.
Increasing HAPI stage is associated with higher in-hospital mortality, higher risk of other HACs, and 1.5 to 2x higher 30, 60, and 90-day readmissions.
Overall, the annual prevalence of pressure injuries and annual mean hospitalization cost increased ($69,499.29 to $102,939.14).
Overall, the annual prevalence of pressure injuries and annual mean hospitalization cost increased ($69,499.29 to $102,939.14).
Pressure mapping gives clinicians immediate visual feedback on where pressure remains, turning “best-practice” repositioning into a teachable, repeatable workflow. It helps staff validate that a turn or support-surface change actually relieved pressure, rather than relying on skin checks, habit, or patient report.
AHRQ HCUP data show pressure-ulcer–related adult hospitalizations carried materially higher utilization and cost: mean stay 12.7–14.1 days vs 5.0 days without pressure ulcers, and mean cost per stay $16,800–$20,400 vs $9,900. Over half were discharged to long-term care, and mortality was higher.
AHRQ HCUP data show pressure-ulcer–related adult hospitalizations carried materially higher utilization and cost: mean stay 12.7–14.1 days vs 5.0 days without pressure ulcers, and mean cost per stay $16,800–$20,400 vs $9,900. Over half were discharged to long-term care, and mortality was higher.
This University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital study found that developing a hospital-acquired Stage II+ pressure ulcer was associated with substantially higher hospital costs and longer stays. Mean unadjusted costs were $37,288 vs $13,924 and LOS 30.4 vs 12.8 days. Even after adjustment, costs and LOS remained significantly higher.