Direct Costs

Definition

In health economics , the term direct cost refers to all costs due to resource use that are completely attributable to the use of a health care intervention or illness. Direct costs can be split into direct medical costs and direct non-medical costs. Direct medical costs include the cost of a defined intervention and all follow-up costs for other medication and health care interventions in ambulatory, inpatient, and nursing care. All specialist and GP care, including emergency care, as well as rehabilitation and physiotherapy, is considered. Direct non-medical costs include e. g. transportation costs and additional paid caregiver time.